The idea of a work/life balance is much more important to younger workers than it ever was with baby boomers. Companies are looking at retention issues.

If I'm calling company ABC for a reference check about Joe Smith, they'll say he worked here from X date to Y date; but a lot of companies are adopting a policy not to get into information beyond basic details.

There may already be existing policies in place that pertain to it, like disclosing proprietary information, which would most likely be covered in other policies in terms of non-disclosure agreements.

You're obviously going to be at a disadvantage if you are going to recruit workers that might not look at a company that doesn't offer benefits like that.

And options like flexible work schedules and telecommuting have leveled off because they are not suited to certain jobs. However, programs aimed at achieving work-life balance are bound to gain momentum for men as well as women.