Since 2000 the DTI has promoted the growth
of flexible working opportunities in the UK by demonstrating
the business case for work life balance. Our aim is that in
future, everyone should feel that they have more choice and
control over their working lives.
Flexible working
opportunities benefit everyone: employers, employees and their
families. Many employers tell us that it makes good business
sense to provide flexible working opportunities for their staff.
Employers tells
us that flexible working arrangements enable them: to retain
skilled staff and reduce recruitment costs; to raise their staff
morale and decrease absenteeism; and to react to changing market
conditions more effectively.
- 71% of employers who operate flexible working report that
its provision has a positive impact on management – employee
relations, employee motivation and commitment (69%), and labour
turnover (54%).
- Almost half of employers report improvements in productivity,
absenteeism and recruitment.
- 39% of workplaces that had four or more flexible practices
and leave arrangements reported financial performance that
was better than that of other similar workplaces in the same
industry.
Using case studies,
a body of research evidence, and a dedicated website the DTI
has highlighted the real business benefits that have been reported
to us by companies who have considered, and then implemented,
alternative ways of working.
We have historically
provided practical help in implementing WLB initiatives through
the DTI Challenge Fund. However following the completion of
the fifth and final round of the Challenge Fund the work of
disseminating best practice messages on work life balance and
flexible working will be delivered through DTI's Achieving best
Practice products. Further detail on best practice can be found
through www.DTI.gov.uk/bestpractice/people
Details of the research on the impact of Work
Life balance and flexible working in the UK, covering both employer
and employee perspectives, can be found at: www.dti.gov.uk/er/emar/
