The Business Case

It is important that calls on people's time outside of work can be balanced sensibly with the pressures and commitments of work itself. The majority of people do not feel that they have enough time outside paid employment to do all the things they would like.

The intensity of workloads and the long hours culture in the United Kingdom is increasingly recognised by government, union and employers as a major factor contributing to an imbalance between work and life. This can have a detrimental effect on business success as well as individual lives.

This is underpinned by the reality, reported by the DFEE in 1996, that people in Britain do £23 billion worth of unpaid overtime every year (Family Friendly Working Arrangements in the UK 1996).

Flexible working options and practices can increase productivity, attract and retain skilled, experienced and motivated staff in a competitive market. Work-Life Balance is about giving people working options that meet business needs - whilst relieving potential stresses on employees, again benefiting the business by producing a more focused, committed team.

Longer hours at work does not necessarily equate to increased productivity. For business to thrive it needs to get the most from its workforce. This can only be done by recognising and honouring the individual needs of employees within the specific context of your organisation. To achieve this, working patterns need to be adjusted so that everyone, regardless of age, race, gender or any disability can find a rhythm that enables them more easily to combine work with their other responsibilities and aspirations.

'The staff are a lot less stressed, flexible working allows them to have the life they want and as a result the business has benefited as a whole'
Tiny Tots Day Care Nursery, Newport

Last Updated: 08/08/2007 15:58:43 By Richard Perry