Many enlightened British organisations, both large and small, from across a wide range of sectors have enjoyed real business benefits as a result of their modern approach to work-life balance.  More flexible working policies have helped businesses to improve customer service, reduce staff stress and absenteeism and reduce recruitment costs because their staff are happier.

 

In the foreword to "Flexible Working - The Business Case", published by The Department of Trade and Industry, Patricia Hewitt, then Secretary of State for Trade and Industry says:

 

"Over the last decade there has been a revolution in the workplace. Now that women make up almost half the workforce, the relationship between work and family life has altered dramatically and the world of work must catch up. 

 

Allowing people to work in a sensible way that allows them to balance earning a living with looking after their children is not only good for families and children, it is good for business too.

 

Although there are many excellent examples of businesses operating modern flexible workplaces, there are still too many organisations where an old-fashioned long hours culture still prevails. This is costly -  although British companies work the longest hours in Europe, our productivity levels are one of the lowest and stress-related sickness costs British business around £12 billion every year.

 

If we left it to best practice alone, it would take 20 years for the culture to change fundamentally. We cannot wait this long."

 

 

 

 

"...research shows that long hours damage your health, relationships with partners and children and, interestingly, your productivity."

 

Cary Cooper , Professor of Organisational Psychology and Health, Lancaster University

 

(in an Accountancy Age feature on work/life balance of 3 March 2005).