Lack of thought for family life knocks UK staff levels

Nearly two-thirds of UK employees do not feel their organisation recognises the work/life balance, according to a study by Aon Consulting.

The UK@Work survey of 1,570 employees found just 39 per cent of employees feel their organisation acknowledges the issues.

Areas examined in the study were rewards, affiliation, growth and work/life balance. It identified four priority issues – job stress, management and communication of change, overall recognition and rewards, and recognition of work/life balance – that could be causing UK organisations to lose staff.

Flexible programmes and stress reduction policies such as family-friendly time-off initiatives are the solutions to the problem, according to the report.

Aon managing director Patrick Carter said, “Organisations that demonstrate their commitment to employees will ultimately win the battle for workforce share.

“The struggle to attract and retain a skilled and committed workforce from an increasingly limited pool of available talent.”

Aon’s study also establishes an index measuring employees’ commitment to their company.

This found workers in London are the least committed while workers in the South West are the most committed, and women are more dedicated to their organisations than men.

Healthcare workers and teachers are more dedicated than public sector staff and manufacturing employees were more committed than those employed in insurance and finance.

Workforce commitment in-creases through the 20s and 30s, peaking in the 40s and decreasing through the 50s and 60s.

• Work/life balance is due to be discussed in Parliament today (23 May) in a debate organised by the Parliamentary Group on Childcare.

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Difficulties faced by MPs, journalists and other staff who work at the House of Commons and are parents will be highlighted in the debate.

A feasibility study looking into childcare options for the House will be launched at the event, which is part of National Childcare Week.