Major British companies like Asda, M&S, BBC and LloydsTSB have created an organisation promoting work-life balance as a vital part of business success over the next ten years.

Their report, Getting the Balance Right: UK working life in 2000, points out a number of trends likely to cause problems if not tackled, including the challenges of an ageing workforce. Over the next 10 years, for example, there will be an additional 2.7 million workers over 35 added to the workforce.

The government wants to encourage employers to introduce flexible working practices which enable their employees to achieve a better balance between work and the rest of their lives. Evidence shows that there is a bottom line business benefit in doing this. Everyone has a life and responsibilities outside work. They may have children or other caring responsibilities, or simply want time to pursue other interests.

David Blunkett has said:

“Many forward-thinking employers are already reaping the benefits of work-life balance for themselves. But we want more employers to develop working practices that will reward their business and their employees. Working together, we can fulfill our vision of enhancing our economic performance and at the same time improve the work-life balance for individuals. This is about imagination, not legislation.”

Work-life balance is not just about flexitime. It can be a really effective way of introducing major culture change in your organisation. For ideas and advice on how Equilibre can help you introduce such change, contact John Killman

Further details and other documents and case studies can be found at:

www.dfee.gov.uk/work-lifebalance

www.dti.gov.uk/work-lifebalance/press_010_a.html

www.employersforwork-lifebalance.org.uk/