IDS HR Study 834, November 2006

Flexible working

Over recent years, flexible working has forced its way up the HR agenda as employers increasingly recognise the value employees place on work-life balance. The availability of flexible working is now often considered integral to attracting and retaining staff and becoming an ‘employer of choice’.

This HR Update:

• considers current trends in flexible working on the basis of a survey of 41 employers
• includes five detailed company case studies looking at how a range of organisations are benefiting from flexible working
• discusses recent developments concerning the statutory right to request flexible working
• summarises the latest data from the Labour force Survey, highlighting the extent of flexible working in Great Britain

Features

Flexible working survey

Our survey of 41 organisations looks at the flexible working options available to staff, their popularity, how they are promoted and how their impact on the business is assessed.

Flexible working and the law

Our second feature article looks at recent developments concerning the right to request flexible working.

Case studies

• Reviewing ‘Work Options’ at Lloyds TSB
• Building a flexible working culture at Avaya
• Working flexibly – a way of life at IBM UK
• Flexible working key to culture change at London Borough of Barnet
• Greater flexibility smoothes relocation for Great Places Housing Group

HR metrics

The latest data from the Labour Force Survey shows the extent of flexible working in Great Britain, including comparisons by gender and occupation.