Member Article

New work practices get equality backing

The latest organisation to join the Work Wise UK initiative is the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC), who signed up to support the campaign last week. The EOC joins groups such as the CBI, TUC, and the British Chambers of Commerce in a bid to introduce ‘smarter’ working practices in the UK.

Jenny Watson, chair of the EOC, said: “The Commission is fully committed to promoting smarter working practices – for the benefit of all. This is not just a working parents issue – flexible working practices can increase productivity and competitiveness and should be available to anyone struggling to achieve a work-life balance, whether this is to provide care for an older relative or pursue a passion for sky-diving. Society must catch up with the reality of modern life.”

Phil Flaxton, Work Wise UK’s chief executive, said: “Today’s work culture is from another era. Not only is it wanting in terms of efficient use of resources and the impact upon the environment, it discriminates against those who have a family, who have aged relatives or who have a disability. Organisations are beginning to realise that not only are they failing to tap into a valuable skills pool, but by adopting new smarter working practices, they increase productivity in the workplace as a whole.”

Organisations and employees across the UK, both public and private, are being invited to take part in the second annual Work Wise Week (16–22 May) to continue helping create a ‘smarter’ working Britain. The week includes a number of events and National Work from Home day on Friday 18 May. During the week, organisations will be encouraged to participate in smarter working practices such as allowing staff to stagger their commute and working from home. The aim is for thousands of other organisations join the initiative, via the Work Wise website (www.workwiseuk.org) over the coming months, demonstrating their commitment to revolutionising the workplace.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .