HR managers back work-life balance, claims survey

A recent survey has revealed that three out of five UK human resource professionals back EU measures that aim to restrict company employees' working more than 48 hours-a-week.

A survey carried out by business information provider Croner revealed that 61% of HR professionals thought their employers should not be able to ask employees to work more than the set limit of hours.

The survey, comes as the EU is investigating the UK's opt out clause on the Working Time Directive, which, in the UK has allowed employees to opt out from the 48 hour weekly working limit since the Directive came in to force in October 1998.

Employment law expert at Croner, Richard Smith, said: "It's perhaps surprising to find that a large proportion of businesses we surveyed are happy to see a wholesale limit imposed on the length of time they can ask their employees to work.

"A lot of companies tell us they feel they need to be able to ask certain essential staff groups to work more than the suggested maximum number of hours in order to keep the business viable. However, our survey also shows that many firms are increasingly keen to support the rights of employees to go home at a reasonable time and enjoy their private life. This a positive indication that work-life balance is being taken seriously by employers, and there is a strong case to say it could make employees more productive and motivated."

Croner advise that the hours of work should be clearly stated in the contract of employment, with employers stipulating in the contract that flexibility of working hours may sometimes be required. We would also advise employers to possibly stipulate maximum weekly working hours in the contract.

He added: "If the requirement for extra hours becomes a regular or permanent occurrence, it could indicate that employers need to reassess their staffing needs or working procedures."

(SP)