Section C
Improving the balance between the working part of the day and the rest of it is a goal of a growing number of workers in rich Western countries. Some are turning away from the (36) of their parents, for whom work always comes first; others with (37) skills are demanding more because they know they can get it. Employers, (38) between a falling population of workers and tight controls on (39) , are eager to identify extra payment that will (40) more "talent" their way. Just now they are focusing on benefits that offer employees more than just pay. Some companies saw the change of mood some time ago. IBM has more than 50 different programs (41) work-fife balance and Bank of America over 30．But plenty of other firms remain (42) and many lack the capacity to cater to such ideas even if they wanted to. Helen Murlis, with Hay Group, a human-resources (43) , sees a widening gap between firms "at the creative end of employment" and those that are not. (44) . This allows people to escape rigid nine-to-five schedules and work away from a formal office. (45) . Companies have had to offer extended periods of leave for them to look after dependants (young and old), and flexible working in between. Ernst & Young, (46) in Houston, Texas.