Construction firm introduces flexible working for staff
A UK construction company says it has become the first firm in the sector to complete a pioneering trial of flexible working on its sites.
BAM Construct UK announced it has now introduced new flexible working policies it believes could benefit the whole construction industry. Although the trial was overtaken by the coronavirus pandemic, BAM said that its new approach will have benefits for both its workers and the rest of the industry long after the virus crisis subsides.
Andrea Singh, executive and HR director for BAM Construct UK, said: “There has been a shift in mindset across our business. We believe that every role can have some flexibility, but not every role can have the same flexibility.
“Our default position now is that flexibility is possible and desirable, and to prioritise a devolved, team-based decision-making culture to empower it so that it continues to support our business objectives.
“We now ask, ‘How can we make flexibility work?’, not, ‘Can we make it work?’. We’ve provided a framework for our teams without lots of rules and hurdles.
“Managers can find flexible working approaches that work for their team, their clients and their job.”
BAM said the new flexible working policy will provide a better work-life balance for its employees and could open up construction as a career to hundreds of thousands of people from more varied backgrounds than has traditionally been the case.
Ruth Hutchinson, a site administrator for se vera lb am schemes in Wales, said: “I am a carer for both of my parents who have mental health and physical health needs. When this new policy took effect, after discussions with my team and line managers, I am now able to work three days a week from home.
“I could demonstrate I was more productive because of the greater flexibility.”
Among the measures BAM is promoting are remote working, staggered start and end times, flexible lunch or break times, job sharing, part-time work, phased retirements, remote learning and virtual meetings.