Work life balance
This is all very well but what is the University doing about workload, that's the real issue?
It is true to say that workload is an issue. The Work Foundation survey in the Autumn of 2003 highlighted this was a reality. Significant developments in flexible working practice alone will not solve this problem. As part of the PWE agenda the University has formed a group to examine this very issue and develop a way forward to add to the range of solutions.
More information
In addition a number of process review projects are taking place across the University. The objective of process review is to improve ways of working, to increase effectiveness in line with the University's Vision. In everyday working life this means reducing frustration caused by delays and eliminating bureaucracy and duplication of effort where possible. The aim is to improve the working environment for people using and operating the processes that are reviewed.
Some possible improvements are ensuring that data is only input once and only stored in one place, having information available to people who need it in an accurate and timely manner, reducing the amount of time it takes to respond to enquiries or streamlining processes to increase the amount of staff time that can be spent on the main aspects of their roles.
Working time guidance for managers. Time spent working is regulated in the UK by legislation, this document provides details of how this is incorporated into practice at the University.
University of Bristol/Joint Trade Unions Workload Agreement (PDF 50KB) . An agreement between the then AUT and University on a way forward in terms of planning the workload for individual Academic and Academic Related staff.