• Work-life balance
• The case for work-life balance
• Things you'll need to know
• Your workplace
• Contacts and links
• Documents
• Different ways of working

Introduction

Why does UNISON need a work-life balance campaign?

UNISON's work-life balance campaign is a response to the changing working environment, the increasing pressures - both in and outside of work - on workers, the escalating expectations of employers and the expanding demands on public services.

What do we mean by work-life balance?

UNISON believes all workers should have a right to work that does not damage their freedom to pursue activities and responsibilities outside the workplace. That means making work more sensitive. Arranging work more effectively and organising it more intelligently.

What is UNISON doing?

Our work-life balance campaign is based on:

putting pressure on the government to

1. provide clearer incentives for a more worker-friendly approach to working hours,
2. to introduce legislation where a voluntary aproach is not working, and,
3. ensure equality in the provision of flexible working opportunitites.

making sure that work-life balance issues are an integral part of the bargaining and negotiating process with employers;

provide branch activists and members with information and resources to highlight the issues, the benefits and best practice.

What do our members think about work-life balance policies?

The campaign is also based on the experiences of our members. In a recent survey conducted by the Labour Research Department (LRD) of UNISON branches, our members noted that work-life balance policies brought about:

"higher morale, loyalty to the hospital, positive attitudes" (Cumbria health branch)

"retaining staff through their life cycle helps to prevent discrimination because of roles outside work" (Nottingham Trent University)

"the empowerment of staff" (Burton Hospitals)

"it allows skilled workers the opportunity to return early to work while balancing social and domestic needs" (Sheffield Northern General)

"increased control of working time and patterns" (Bristol City)

Therefore, we hope you take time to explore these pages in order to find out more about the issues involved and gain the resources to discuss this topic with your colleagues and employers.

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Next: The case for work-life balance

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