IrishJobs.ie - benefits of mobile/flexible working will emerge in practice

IrishJobs.ie today pledged its support for Work Life Balance Day 2007, March 1st. Valerie Sorohan, Marketing Manager at IrishJobs.ie commented: ìWork Life balance is important for all workers and requires a change in culture that will come about as more and more people put mobile and flexible working arrangements into practice.ëí

The recent Work-Life Balance survey by The London School of Economics, concluded that well managed firms do not work ëharderí but ësmarterí. Employees in well-run firms typically have a better work life balance benefiting from practices such as family-friendly policies, flexible working and shorter hours.

Sorohan continued: ìMore and more employers are seeing the benefits of work life practices in relation to retention of employees and staff loyalty. One of the challenges to the uptake of mobile and flexible working may be perception amongst employees. As part of a greater culture change, fellow colleagues will need to adopt an attitude which respects the choice of other colleagues to avail of flexible or mobile working arrangements where this is a viable option that is consistent with the work ethic and solid performance.î

Sorohan pointed to the fact that in some sectors or jobs it is easier to put work life balance arrangements in place, for example, IT, publishing, creative work and public sector. She said: ìEvery sector must open up to the idea that performance is not directly related to sitting at a desk 9 to 5. Good management, seamless team working practices and strong internal communications will all ensure the success of job sharing, mobile working, part-time etc.î

According to Sorohan: ìFor many workers, work life balance is not a realistic option for financial reasons and of course there are many issues to be addressed to open up opportunities for all workers, whatever their economic situation.î

She continued: ìIrishJobs.ie has an interest in the pressing issues affecting all jobseekers in both the workplace and socially. On site we provide a Work Life Coach for jobseekers with the aim of providing work life balance support. This service is free.î

Ms Sorohan pointed to the first Annual IrishJobs.ie Childcare Survey 2006, when it was revealed almost half of respondents felt that quality of life is poorer in contrast to that of their parents based on the increased levels of stress and less free time.

Valerie Sorohan, Marketing Manager, IrishJobs.ie concluded: ìThe IrishJobs.ie Childcare Survey revealed a call for choice and options in the area of childcare choice and quality of life are inextricably linked. Parents need the choice to work full-time or part-time, the choice to stay at home, without financial pressure being the deciding factor. The survey results reveal a demand for more options and resources to be incorporated into both public policy and working practices.î