Article
04 October, 2023
National Work Life Week (2 - 6 October 2023) is an annually ran campaign by the Working Families Charity to get employers and employees talking about wellbeing at work and work life balance.
National Work Life Week is a key opportunity for employers to highlight the importance of a work life balance between our personal lives, whether that is balancing running a household, spending time with family and friends or participating in hobbies with our working life. A work life balance is different to every employee depending on their circumstances, but nonetheless is incredibly important.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, a global report was conducted by Randstad in 2021 which showed that 65% of job seekers in the UK prioritized work-life balance over pay and benefits. Employees are now starting to prioritize family or their private life over their working life. In addition, working flexibly has been shown to increase productivity and happiness. Therefore, it is important that if you want to retain and recruit the best talent for your company your business is equipped with the adequate tools to provide this to your employees.
The current law states that Employees have the right to request flexible working once they have been employed for 26 weeks, however, on 20 July 2023 the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2023 received Royal Assent which is due to come into effect in mid-2024, meaning that Flexible Working will become a day one right.
Flexible working can come in various forms, but is not limited to:
Although flexible working has been proven to increase productivity as well as assist in recruitment, it should be noted that it can lead to isolation and a blurring of boundaries between work and home life and therefore the employee's wellbeing when granting such a request should be kept under review.
The Working Families Charity highlights some key guidance on how Employers can implement a work life balance in their workplace:
For more information contact Lauren Wood in our Employment & HR department via email or phone on 01772 220267. Alternatively send any question through to Forbes Solicitors via our online Contact Form.
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