Flexible way to enjoy your life
ONE FIFTH of all parents who work full-time do five extra weeks unpaid work a year just to keep up with the job demands.
That was the conclusion of research by work/life balance charity Working Families, and it was something former financial services law specialist Spencer McPherson knows only too well.
‘Officially the hours were nine to five, but mostly I did 12-hour days and later worked at home,’ he says. ‘I was expected to meet clients anywhere at short notice, which meant nights away from home. If you wanted to get ahead, you just got on with it.’
Spencer, 35, left to set up Still Moving Media, his own photography and video company. ‘We are busy, but I get more time with my partner Emily and daughter Coralie, two, without the recriminations,’ he says.
Giving employees more access to flexible working would help, but Sarah Jackson, chief executive of Working Families, says: ‘Our research shows many parents are still working very long hours, albeit flexibly.
‘More widespread flexible working without action to tackle excessive workloads just means impossible targets and additional stress.’
Liz Gardiner, of Working Families Advice Service, suggests talking to your manager about your workload if you feel it is too onerous: ‘Is this an ongoing problem or something that could be addressed through shortterm changes?’
Once you have worked for your employer for more than 26 weeks, you can request flexible working, which includes working from home. If you follow the statutory procedure, your employer must seriously consider your request.
Liz Gardiner says: ‘If you want to reduce your hours, consider how the business would be affected. If there will be gaps, suggest solutions.
‘Be prepared to negotiate, but use the opportunity to discuss better ways to get work done.’
When job-seeking, look for companies that sport the Working Families’ Happy to Talk Flexible Working logo. FOR information and advice see workingfamilies.org.uk