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get flexecutive

Employees and employers alike need to look into getting the work balance right.

Increasing demands from work, family and from our own expectations means many of us think we have no option but to push ourselves beyond breaking point in order to keep all our balls in the air. However, research suggests that people are experiencing a time squeeze. This particularly applies to women. The results of the research are mixed.

The bad news is that despite new government legislation and a general awareness of the requirement for work-life balance, it is still unclear to many people how this can be achieved. Juggling a demanding career and family life is far too often the domain of the woman. This can include running a house, ferrying children to and forth and even looking after ageing parents. Something has to give. Often it is the woman's health, happiness and sanity! Research by The Work-Life Balance Trust shows that absenteeism costs British industry around £5 billion per annum. The current annual NHS bill for stress-related illness is £2 billion and 1 in 5 British children has a stress-related illness. It is definitely time for change.

The good news is that when faced with choosing between a career or family life, increasingly women are seeking to compromise, by opting for different work patterns. Cutting weekly hours, job sharing or working flexi-time are just some examples of how women are getting the balance right.

A testament to flexible working patterns is Bristol based public relations and event management company eventframework. MD Heather Parsons believes flexibility is key in the success of her business; "We have a number of part-time and freelance employees at eventframework. Flexible working benefits both employer and employee - research shows the quality of people's work improves when they have work-life balance, leading to greater productivity and ultimately greater savings and profits for businesses."

In short, the old adage remains true. We should all be aiming to work smarter not harder. A little more thought and planning now could result in workers finding a sustainable pace for the future. This, in turn, should help us to achieve maximum effectiveness and fulfillment in all areas of our lives.

Work-Life Balance systems involve the adjustment of working patterns so that everyone - regardless of age, race or gender - can more easily combine work with their home responsibilities and interests. Can Britain afford this? - Yes - research shows that the implementation of such systems attracts the best workers and reduces absenteeism while increasing retention, productivity and profit. Nevertheless, many employers remain unconvinced of the reasons for, or the commercial advantages of, implementing Work-Life Balance systems. Our aim is to increase their awareness. (The Work-Life Balance Trust).

Here are just some of the ways in which employees benefit from work life balance:

• improved self-esteem, health, concentration and confidence
• loyalty and commitment
• not bringing problems at home to work, and vice versa
• the time to focus more on life outside work
• greater control of their working lives

Employers benefit from having a more motivated, productive and less stressed workforce, as well as:

• maximised available labour
• making employees feel valued
• a loyal and motivated workforce in a less stressful environment
• attracting a wider range of candidates, such as older part-time workers and carers
• increased productivity
• reduced absenteeism
• the reputation of being an employer of choice
• retaining valued employees

(Source: Department of Trade and Industry)

Article by Christy Tollast
www.eventframework.co.uk

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