WORK-LIFE BALANCE
IDS guide to introducing a work-life balance policy
Ideas about how much time people spend working, when they work, where they work and how they work are changing as employers seek more creative solutions to staffing issues. A new study from Incomes Data Services takes a look at work-life policies and practices.
| What you will find in this IDS research |
| This 27-page report considers why employers are looking at work-life balance issues. It comes in two main parts: |
| Introducing a work-life policy Examines the main issues organisations face when introducing new work-life balance initiatives, including staff consultation, raising awareness and getting line managers on board. It also looks at the typical elements of a policy, encompassing flexible working options, special leave and time off and the various forms of employee support, such as childcare assistance and the promotion of health and well-being. Some of the practical challenges involved -- for example, establishing a formal process for requesting flexible working -- are covered in detail. |
| Case studies Includes four detailed company case studies, as well as summaries of the arrangements at two smaller employers. The four detailed case studies are:
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A final word
"Flexible working has traditionally been taken up by staff with family commitments. But employers are increasingly acknowledging the benefits of extending such options to all employees. There is now more widespread recognition that a workforce consists of diverse individuals with a range of different priorities, which will themselves change over time. This requires a more flexible response from organisations not just to issues of working time but perhaps also in areas such as flexible benefits provision." -- IDS Study 768, February 2004.
Want to know more?
Title: "Work-life balance", IDS Study 768, February 2004.
Availability: Contact customer services at IDS in London, tel: 020 7324 2599, or email: sales@incomesdata.co.uk.
For more information about this report, jump to www.incomesdata.co.uk/studies/worklife.htm
Incomes Data Services is an independent research organisation providing information and analysis on pay and conditions, pensions, employment law and personnel policy and practice in the UK and the rest of Europe. Find out more at www.incomesdata.co.uk
Posted 6 April 2004