Equal Opportunities Commission investigation into the Transformation of Work Final Report Enter the Timelords PDF
Hours to Suit: research on working flexibly at senior levels, published by Working Families and sponsored by Lehman Bros Conference speech by Meg Munn MP here
Equal Opportunities Commission report ‘The State of the Modern Family’ highlights the role of fathers on the development of children and the importance of flexible working Link
Women and Work Commission
Towards a Fairer Future – Women and Work Commission Executive Summary PDF / Full Report PDF
Research by PricewaterhouseCoopers shows that lack of flexibilty and childcare costs lead to women leaving before they hit the glass ceiling. Link
Fairness and Freedom: The Final Report of the Equalities Review
With average costs of recruitment, selection, cover, administration and induction between £8,200 and £12,000 per employee (CIPD) it makes sense to boost retention rates. We know the real cost of losing a skilled employee – or knowing she has joined a competing firm with a more attractive culture – can be much greater.
The Skills Survey for the Women and Work Commission (1995) reveals that nearly half of women with children under five are in jobs that under-utilise their skills.
The Equal Opportunities Commission estimate that one million women will experience pregnancy discrimination over the next five years
We have found that changes in legislation through the Work and Families Act 2006 and accompanying new regulations mean many employers are reviewing their provision and policies, including looking into the use of Keeping in Touch days for group maternity coaching sessions.
Improved management and HR skills in handling pregnancy, planning maternity leave and return to work, resulting in a consistent approach across the organisation.
Women returners who are more focused, confident, committed and loyal as a result of having had the opportunity to build their own work/life balance strategy and being supported by their employer.
For recruitment and retention, having strategies which support working mothers are critical to success.
There is a growing body of research providing an evidence base for organisations seeking the business justification for supporting employees and managers through the transitions of pregnancy, maternity leave, return to work and early parenting. Recent enquiries include the Equal Opportunities Commission, Women and Work Commission and the Equalities Review which demonstrate that employees are seeking greater flexibility in the workplace and better work-life balance. The point when women have children is seen to be a critical moment in their decisions about employment: a crucial factor for organisations seeking to be employers of choice