ëPut family first'' say businesses

83% in favour of flexible working for employees with children according to Croner survey

The school summer break, which begins today, leaves many working parents stuck for childcare. But, according to a new survey by Croner, 83% of businesses believe their staff should be able to change their working hours to accommodate childcare needs.

Croner, the UK''s leading supplier of business information, support and advice, carried out a survey of HR professionals on its www.humanresources-centre.net website. The survey asked if they thought that businesses should allow flexible working arrangements during school
holidays. 83% said yes, only 13% said no, and 4% were unsure.

The term ''flexible working'' covers arrangements such as home working, job sharing, part-time and term-time working. It falls under the wider debate of ''work-life balance''. The survey reveals a significant change in business ideology, with traditional ''clocking on'' falling out of favour, giving
employees greater autonomy over their working lives.

Employers are under a legal obligation to consider requests for flexible working from working parents, but are not obliged to agree to such requests.


Richard Smith, HR expert at Croner says: Employees requesting flexible working hours have sometimes been perceived as less career focused and lacking in commitment. This has made people reluctant to request flexible
working times, fearing it may hinder their long-term career prospects.

Standards of work should not be measured in hours spent at the desk, but in the quality of work and level of motivation and commitment from the individual. In fact, greater autonomy and control over working hours will
allow employees to better manage their workload and life, making them less susceptible to stress and ultimately more productive.
The need for flexible working has never been greater; in a turbulent world, people increasingly value the family unit with more working women - and men - prioritising time with their children over time in the office. The number of lone parents is also on the rise, making it increasingly difficult for them to have a career and a family.

Although it will take time to change our ''nine to five'' working culture, businesses can no longer ignore the needs of employees to balance increasing work hours with a modern, hectic lifestyle. The survey results reveal a
profound positive change in attitude amongst the business community in support of the work-life balance of employees

Croner outlines the following benefits to businesses of offering flexible working to employees:

Increased motivation and morale of employees
Increased loyalty to the employer and therefore improved staff retention
Increased productivity of employees
Lower stress levels
Decreased absenteeism
Flexibility often works two ways; employees are more likely to put in
extra hours when the job requires.