(Source: http://www.multimedia-stock.com/3642)http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/08/03/2971765.htm
This is an article about a recent survey revealing Australian's increasing dissatisfaction with their work-life balance situation. The writer adopted a traditional news story structure - concept of the inverted pyramid. In this format, the most important information appears first in the story and the rest of the details follow in order of descending importance.
The writer begin the story with a one-sentence introduction which is a flat, precise factual statement. It is an effective way in conveying the major idea of the story to the readers. Instead of listing out the findings of the survey in the body, the writer used quotations from researchers involved in the study. This technique helps bringing a story to life and creates a sense of authority.
In general this story works pretty well and is newsworthy. First of all, it is timely because it is based on the fourth Australian Work Life Index launched by the Committee for Economic Development of Australia on the same day (source 1). Secondly, it is worth publishing as the issue of work-life balance relates not only to full-time and part-time workers, but also their family and friends, i.e. literally every person in the nation. Although this story does not contain too much of a "wow-factor", readers can relate to it well due to the proximity element.
The concern on poor work-life balance is hardly limited to the workforce in Australia. It is getting increasing attention across the globe. U.S. President Obama has addressed the need for flexible workplace option and work-life balance at the Forum on Workplace Flexibility held earlier this year, demonstrating that it is one of the hottest issue on health and quality of life.
Here is President Obama's speech at the closing of the forum (source 2):
From my point of view, this piece of article is very simple and straight-forward. Another possible angle of writing a story on the findings in this survey is to take a further step and look at why a work-life balance strategy can benefit employers by improving employees' productivity and retaining talents (see source 3) but still remains an unresolved problem in the nation.
Sources:
1) Governmentnews.com.au: Australians dissatisfied with work-life balance
http://www.governmentnews.com.au/2010/08/03/article/Australians-dissatisfied-with-work-life-balance/FDYLKICKZY.html
2) President Obama speaks about how both men and women need flexible workplace options
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvb4mPCyIQo
3) New South Wales Government
http://www.smallbiz.nsw.gov.au/run/hr/pages/worklifebalance.aspx
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