WORK-LIFE BALANCE
Working smarter is key to improving employee satisfaction
A joint report from the DTI, TUC and CBI explores how firms can manage change to improve working patterns and address the long hours culture in the workplace.
According to the report, companies such as BT, Accenture, PricewaterhouseCoopers and Eversheds have introduced a range of flexible working initiatives -- including part-time working, flexitime, job sharing and annualised hours -- in a bid to modernise working practices, while maintaining, or improving, productivity.
Benefits include enhanced customer service, retention of skilled staff, improved morale and less absenteeism. All these factors contribute to improved worker satisfaction and productivity, the report says.
The case studies show that, while there is no one-size-fits-all model to changing working practices, a key ingredient in successful change is involving employees in consultations, whether directly or though trade unions.
A final word
"While regulation has a part to play, creating a culture where we work smarter rather than longer is key to improving worker satisfaction, as well as improving competitiveness, productivity and retaining skilled workers." -- Gerry Sutcliffe, Employment Minister.
Want to know more?
Title: Managing Change: Practical ways to reduce long hours and reform working practices.
The report was managed, on behalf of the DTI, by the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC), which ran each of the master class sessions, which were held in held in Birmingham, Manchester, Norwich, Nottingham, London, Newport and York.
Availability: To download the report in PDF format visit the DTI site at www.dti.gov.uk/news/newsarticle1.html