Every Week is Work-Life Week: Inside Personnel Checks' Flexible Work Culture

National Work-Life Week is more than just a week-long event; it's a call to action for employers and employees alike to prioritize well-being and work-life balance.  

According to Working Families, 82% of UK parents would apply for a job that advertised flexible working options. Our own research echoes this sentiment, revealing that over three-quarters of our employees value flexible working. It's not just a perk; it's a necessity for modern living. 

At Personnel Checks, we've been ahead of the curve, embracing a culture of flexibility long before it became a buzzword. Here's how we're making work-life harmony a reality, not just during this special week but all year round. 

Although initiated by the pandemic, our hybrid working policy is now a cornerstone of the business. We realised that all our staff are committed to making Personnel Checks work. In turn, we decided that we need to make a commitment to work-life balance.  

So, as the pandemic eased, we double down on our hybrid/flexible working policy. As it stands, it’s been an absolute winner. We recently conducted a survey of our teams to get a measure of whether they felt it was as much of a success as we do. Turns out, they do! 

  • 100% felt that Personnel Checks' flexible working model gives them a better work-life balance 

  • 100% felt that their team could collaborate effectively at a distance 

  • 100% felt they were equipped to do their job from wherever they are 

  • 81.8% believed that working from home improved the quality of their work - only 4.5% felt that it impacted their work negatively 

  • 91% felt that hybrid working improved their mental health 

Whether you're a remote worker or prefer the camaraderie of the office, we've got you covered. We expect most employees to spend at least 40% of their working week at the office, but we're flexible.  

We understand that a fixed policy doesn’t work for everyone. 50% of our team preferred to work from home the majority of the time. 45% prefer to split their time 50/50. Only 1 person in the business preferred to spend the majority of their time in the office.  

This is exactly why flexibility is key. Need to adjust your schedule due to personal circumstances? Just talk to your manager. It's all about finding a balance that works for you and the team. 

Flexible working isn't just about clocking in and out at convenient times; it's about recognising that working adults have lives and responsibilities outside of work. Our hybrid model allows our team to manage competing personal priorities effectively, leading to increased productivity and job satisfaction. 

Research shows that a positive work-life balance increases individual performance, productivity, and overall profits for organizations. Moreover, it makes us an attractive employer, helping us to retain and attract top talent. 

Tips for Employers: Making Work-Life Balance a Reality 

During National Work-Life Week, we're taking the lead by putting flexible working and work-life balance at the top of our agenda. We're inviting employees to share their views on what works well for them and what could be improved.  

  • Lead from the Front: Senior management should actively participate in events and initiatives, setting the tone for the rest of the team. 

  • Open Conversations: Encourage employees to share their views on work-life balance and flexible working. 

  • Tailored Approaches: Recognize that one size doesn't fit all. Be open to discussing different working patterns within the organization. 

  • Support Managers: Ensure line managers are trained and prepared for flexible working requests. 

  • Communication is Key: Use this week to spotlight your employment policies and request input on what else could benefit employees. 

National Work-Life Week serves as a timely reminder to reflect on our working practices. Even though we like to think we’re doing a good job at Personnel Checks, reviewing and improving our practices is an ongoing process and events like this help keep us on track. 

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