All work and no play makes business unprofitable
KPMG and PricewaterhouseCoopers are among big name businesses who claim to be helping the government promote a more healthy balance between work and life outside work.
KPMG and PricewaterhouseCoopers are among big name businesses who claim to be helping the government promote a more healthy balance between work and life outside work.
The Big Five firms are part of a group of 22 businesses that make up the Employers for Work-Life Balance working group dedicated to publicising good practice on the subject in the business community.
The government wants to see more companies introduce flexible working practices so employees can achieve a better balance between work and the rest of their lives.
The government believes there is a bottom-line business benefit to firms who achieve a better balance between work and play.
Among the other initiatives the government is introducing a £1.5m fund to help employers research how better work-life balances can promote better service, efficiently and flexibly.
The DfEE has also published a discussion paper – Changing Patterns in a Changing World – which containes a six point check list of principles for work-life balance.
Margaret Hodge, minister for employment and equal opportunities, said: ‘Work-life balance is about sheer common sense and good practice in management.’
Peter Ellwood, chairman of Employers for Work-Life Balance, and group chief executive of Lloyds TSB, said: ‘By putting work-life balance at the heart of their corporate culture, organisations can improve morale, reduce absenteeism and employee turnover and increase productivity. If British business is to be competitive and attract the best employees, it is vital that this issue is put firmly on the agenda.’
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