Work life balance
" Work-life balance is about people having a measure of control over when, where and how they work, leading them to be able to enjoy an optimal quality of life. Work-life balance is achieved when an individual's right to a fulfilled life inside and outside paid work is accepted and respected as the norm, to the mutual benefit of the individual, business and society. "
The Work Foundation
The Work Foundation survey at the University in the Autumn of 2003 showed that a number of staff, especially academic and research staff, were unsatisfied with their work-life balance and felt that they worked excessive hours. Research suggests that this has a negative impact not only on the individual concerned but also the productivity of an organisation.
As a result the University is trying to address this issue in a number of different ways; information, training, and projects to make work processes more efficient. Together, these efforts will, we hope, result in an environment in which success and reward at all levels in the organisation can be achieved without the need for excessive working hours.
Work-life balance is potentially a much bigger and far reaching issue than many people yet realise and as such forms a central part of the University Positive Working Environment agenda.
- Why should the University care?
- Isn't work-life balance just for parents?
- What support is available for Parents and Carers?
- What is 'Flexible Working' and how do I apply?
- What about domestic emergencies?
- What about time off for public duties?
- Can I be 'trained' in achieving a better Work-life balance?
- What about people who just love to work?
- What if I want a longer-term break from work for example to study or travel?
- Doesn't the work-life balance debate just make work a bad place to be?
- Is work-life balance just a fad?
- Doesn't a desire for work-life balance brand you as uncommitted and unmotivated?
- This is all very well but what is the University doing about workload, that's the real issue?