Flexibility ‘is healthy’

Sep 7 2007 by Adrian Pearson, The Journal

BUSINESS leaders should use flexible working if they want a healthier workforce, says a leading employment group.

Work Wise North-East is asking employers to help create a “happier, healthier and more motivated workforce” by changing from the routine nine to five.

Its campaign to encourage flexible working has won the support of employment law specialist EEF Northern, of Washington.

Legal head Joanne Holborn is one of many to use the change from normal working hours to take part in more active pursuits.

Ms Holborn, 38, said: “It’s great my employer allows me time out during the week to go climbing. It really keeps me fit and healthy and rock climbing is a great stress buster.

“Flexible working enables me to work the hours to suit my lifestyle and can give me time off during the week for my outdoor pursuits.”

The campaign, supported by The Journal, is to hold a conference at Durham County Cricket Club on September 26.

Simon Roberson, chair of the Work Wise North-East campaign said: “Even a limited change in working practices and culture will lead to increased business productivity and competitiveness, improve health, harmonise work and family commitments, reduce traffic, ease congestion and help the environment.

“A healthy, happy workplace takes the strain off government and the health service and adds to the bottom line of UK plc. But to reduce absenteeism through the introduction of smarter working practices demands a step-change in employer behaviours.

“It’s great that EEF is encouraging companies of all sizes to take up the Work Wise mantle.

“Northern industry is competing in an increasingly challenging climate and employee absence, with its impact on company finances and productivity, is urgently in need of attention.”

The conference will include health specialists, who will advise businesses to adopt flexible working to combat sickness absenteeism.

Director of EEF Northern Alan Hall said the Work Wise group had his full support.

He said: “Imbalance of work and home life can increase stress and sick leave, it lowers productivity and can result in low staff morale and high staff turnover. It all adds up to a step change in working practices.

“I would urge all employers to adopt smarter working. Employees do not have to adhere to a nine-to-five, five-day week to be productive and we must move away from this archaic culture.”