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Workers in Reading declare that the balance between their work and personal life has improved since 2010, according to a new Work-Life Balance Index published by workspace provider Regus, which has business centres across the Thames Valley. The Index shows that 62% of local workers are happy with the amount of time they spend at home or on personal pursuits, and one in two workers enjoy work more than two years ago. The majority (69%) also state that they achieve more at work than in 2010, which points to a connection between a good work-life balance and worker productivity.
Nationally, just over a third (36%) of workers say that employers have made efforts to shorten staff commute times, acknowledging the strain a lengthy journey to and from work can have. In Reading, over half (53%) of respondents believed this to the case, highlighting the importance of reducing long commutes for the Thames Valley area.
The Index registered a 20% rise in UK work-life balance between 2010 and 2012. To put this into perspective, the UK Index standing is 104, which remains significantly below the global average of 124.
The improvements in happiness and job satisfaction are clearly linked to the fact that worries about job security have decreased in many sectors since 2010, when the UK had recently experienced market free-fall and the global economic meltdown that ensued. Recent research from Regus confirmed that business confidence in the UK is finally on the rise.
Dr Clare Kelliher, professor of work and organisation at the Cranfield School of Management, commented: “We know that a good work- life balance is essential for employees to live healthy, happy and productive lives. The results from this report lend weight to the idea that happier staff are also more productive. At a time when all businesses are striving for growth, this serves as a reminder that employers should review their policies and practices to ensure that staff have the flexibility to achieve balance in their lives.”
Steve Purdy, UK managing director at Regus, commented: “The launch of our new Work-Life balance Index brings the encouraging news that our work-life harmony is improving, especially in the Thames Valley, and confirms ONS results that UK workers are satisfied with their work life.1 Undoubtedly one of the main reasons for this is that the economic outlook is generally brighter than in 2010 and for many people job insecurity has lessened. The survey also importantly indicates that happier employees are more productive, with a convincing majority of respondents declaring that they are achieving more today than two years ago.
“As economic conditions improve and the job market becomes more dynamic, businesses wanting to retain and hire top talent cannot afford to ignore the value that a reputation for enabling a good work-life balance can bring. In addition to this, businesses have become increasingly results-oriented during the downturn and are
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – THAMES VALLEY – JULY/AUGUST 2012
www.businessmag.co.uk
everywhere seen to be opting for less traditional working practices and instead choosing to increase efficiency by giving workers more flexibility. One such measure that is becoming increasingly popular is helping workers to reduce tiring and unproductive commute time through the introduction of more flexible working practices.
“Whether these measures enable workers to travel out of peak time, to work from locations closer to home or to spend more time with their families there is no doubt
that empowering workers to work their way is being acknowledged as an ever more important factor in promoting productivity and well-being.”
The Regus Work-Life Balance Index calibrates job satisfaction indicators and 2500 respondents’ views on their overall work-life balance with data on real-life practices such as working hours and commuting.
1 The Financial Times, Britons strive for happier work-life balance, 29th March 2012
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