Construction firm ISG Interior Exterior is running a series of on-site pilot schemes to try and improve the work-life balance of its employees.
Managers have responded to staff concerns over the construction industry’s long-hours culture and pressurised work environment, which has made it difficult to balance personal and working lives.
The company also had concerns about the UK losing its opt-out clause in the Working Time Directive and decided to take action ahead of any legislation being introduced.
The first pilot scheme has just been completed during a new-build project at Goldsmith’s College in London. According to head of HR, Tracy Butterworth, this has been a great success.
“We asked staff what they wanted to change. Not working at weekends and doing their hours during weekdays was the main suggestion,” she told Personnel Today.
“There is a very strong business case for this – it is vital for commercial success in a very competitive market,” she said.
The construction industry has the highest suicide rate of any industry and also loses many people due to injury and burnout.
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Butterworth said the scheme would help retention rates and attract new people to the industry, which is suffering from a severe skills shortage.
The construction unions have warned that these shortages will need to be addressed if the 2012 London Olympics infrastructure is to be completed on time.
