As firms attempt to help employees balance work and family life (and as employers become aware that personal and family stresses affect performance at work), human resource departments sponsor an array of programs and provide information on myriad subjects. However, some people might be uncomfortable asking for help, either because the problem is embarrassing (needing help to deal with drug abuse, domestic violence, or addiction to gambling) or because focusing on nonwork issues (e.g., child care) might lead others to think they aren’t serious about their jobs. The web allows organizations to post information that employees can access privately—even from home.

Create a web page that could be posted by human resources to help employees with one of the challenges they face. Possible topics include

■ Appreciating an ethnic heritage.

■ Buying a house.

■ Caring for dependents: child care, helping a child learn to read, living with teenagers, elder care, and so forth.

■ Staying healthy: exercise, yoga, massage, healthy diet, and so forth.

■ Dealing with a health problem: alcoholism, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and so forth.

■ Dressing for success or dressing for casual days.

■ Managing finances: basic budgeting, deciding how much to save, choosing investments, and so forth.

■ Nourishing the spirit: meditation, religion.

■ Getting out of debt.

■ Planning for retirement.

■ Planning vacations.

■ Reducing stress.

■ Resolving conflicts on the job or in families.

Assume this page can be accessed from another of the organization’s pages. Offer at least seven links. (More is better.) You may offer information as well as links to other pages with information. At the top of the page, offer an overview of what the page covers. At the bottom of the page, put the creation/update date and your name and e-mail address.

As your instructor directs,

a. Turn in one printed copy of your web page(s). On another page, give the URLs for each link.

b. Electronically submit your web page files.

c. Write an e-mail to your instructor identifying the audience for which the page is designed and explaining (1) the search strategies you used to find material on this topic, (2) why you chose the pages and information you’ve included, and (3) why you chose the layout and graphics you’ve used.

d. Present your page orally to the class.

Hints:

■ Pick a topic you know something about.

■ Realize that audience members will have different needs. You could explain the basics of choosing day care or stocks, but don’t recommend a specific day care center or a specific stock.

■ If you have more than nine links, chunk them in small groups under headings.

■ Create a good image of the organization.