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23/10/2003
Minister Launches Work/Life Balance Research Report
Minister for Labour Affairs, Frank Fahey TD, has launched a research report entitled "Off the Treadmill - Achieving Work/Life Balance" which aims to identify the issues to be addressed in achieving family-friendly working arrangements in the workplace.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Fahey said, "I believe this research provides an excellent analysis of the current state of play on work/life balance in Ireland
"It is a valuable piece of research into the availability and uptake of family friendly working arrangements in Irish organisations. It also examines current attitudes to work/life balance arrangements among employers, employees and work-colleagues and provides a useful insight into a number of the opportunities and challenges attaining work/life balance presents for the future."
David Begg, General Secretary, ICTU said: "This report, commissioned by the National Framework Committee for the Work/Life Balance Policies, provides a timely snapshot of the relatively low level of access that Irish workers have to crucial family friendly and work life balance working arrangements.
"All the evidence to date indicates that organisations with appropriate family friendly/work life balance policies and practices are more productive; workers who have more control over their working arrangements experience greater work satisfaction and report less stress.
"This study again highlights that while women and men may have different priorities in the type of work life balance arrangement they prefer, workers of all ages, and in all sectors and locations, require methods to balance their work commitments with their lives outside the workplace."
Jackie Harrison, IBEC Director of Social Policy, added: " Work/life balance is an important business issue, which can contribute positively to bottom line results in terms of the reduction of casual sickness absence, improved productivity and increased diversity in the workplace. However, the research confirms that the success of these arrangements are dependent on the sharing of responsibilities between employees and employers with no one size fitting all."
Speaking at the launch, Minister Fahey said, "I believe this research provides an excellent analysis of the current state of play on work/life balance in Ireland
"It is a valuable piece of research into the availability and uptake of family friendly working arrangements in Irish organisations. It also examines current attitudes to work/life balance arrangements among employers, employees and work-colleagues and provides a useful insight into a number of the opportunities and challenges attaining work/life balance presents for the future."
David Begg, General Secretary, ICTU said: "This report, commissioned by the National Framework Committee for the Work/Life Balance Policies, provides a timely snapshot of the relatively low level of access that Irish workers have to crucial family friendly and work life balance working arrangements.
"All the evidence to date indicates that organisations with appropriate family friendly/work life balance policies and practices are more productive; workers who have more control over their working arrangements experience greater work satisfaction and report less stress.
"This study again highlights that while women and men may have different priorities in the type of work life balance arrangement they prefer, workers of all ages, and in all sectors and locations, require methods to balance their work commitments with their lives outside the workplace."
Jackie Harrison, IBEC Director of Social Policy, added: " Work/life balance is an important business issue, which can contribute positively to bottom line results in terms of the reduction of casual sickness absence, improved productivity and increased diversity in the workplace. However, the research confirms that the success of these arrangements are dependent on the sharing of responsibilities between employees and employers with no one size fitting all."
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14 January 2005
UK workers opt for work-life balance over pay
Man UK workers would prefer to achieve a better work-life balance, rather than get a promotion or pay rise, a new survey has revealed. Research carried out by Lloyds TSB and campaign group, Working Families, reveals that over two thirds (67%) of the 1,703 people questioned would prefer to have a better balance between their home and working lives.
UK workers opt for work-life balance over pay
Man UK workers would prefer to achieve a better work-life balance, rather than get a promotion or pay rise, a new survey has revealed. Research carried out by Lloyds TSB and campaign group, Working Families, reveals that over two thirds (67%) of the 1,703 people questioned would prefer to have a better balance between their home and working lives.
25 July 2003
Government extends protection for NI workers
New measures to protect around 15,000 additional workers from excessive hours and unreasonable working patterns have been introduced by the Department of Employment and Learning (DEL).
Government extends protection for NI workers
New measures to protect around 15,000 additional workers from excessive hours and unreasonable working patterns have been introduced by the Department of Employment and Learning (DEL).
04 April 2003
UK firms unprepared for flexible working
A recent survey suggests that many organisations are not prepared for forthcoming changes in UK employment law, which will increase employees' rights to apply for flexible working.
UK firms unprepared for flexible working
A recent survey suggests that many organisations are not prepared for forthcoming changes in UK employment law, which will increase employees' rights to apply for flexible working.
05 July 2010
Eircom Jobs In The Balance
An Irish phone giant may be poised to hang-up on as many as 2,000 jobs. According to trade union leaders, Eircom has been attempting to reduce its workforce by 1,200 over recent months through a voluntary severance package. However, union sources today said a further round of job cuts of 1,500-2,000 is expected shortly.
Eircom Jobs In The Balance
An Irish phone giant may be poised to hang-up on as many as 2,000 jobs. According to trade union leaders, Eircom has been attempting to reduce its workforce by 1,200 over recent months through a voluntary severance package. However, union sources today said a further round of job cuts of 1,500-2,000 is expected shortly.
19 February 2003
Stress expert calls for a different approach
With stress in the workplace on the increase, and an estimated seven million working days lost each year in the UK, one expert has claimed that executives need to change their approach to workplace stress.
Stress expert calls for a different approach
With stress in the workplace on the increase, and an estimated seven million working days lost each year in the UK, one expert has claimed that executives need to change their approach to workplace stress.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy. Also mainly dry at first this evening but then occasional outbreaks of rain developing overnight. Light southwest winds, and staying mild. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
