Companies offering more part-time working

The number of companies in Ireland offering part-time working has increased to nearly 74% in 2004 from 50% two years ago, according to a new survey.

The Deloitte survey questioned 500 business managers on what work-life balance initiatives were on offer in their business.

Findings include that two thirds of Irish managers say their organisation offers flexibility in balancing home and work life and that job sharing has increased from 34% to 39% between 2002 and 2004.

According to Deloitte, these trends may be a partial reflection of the slow-down in the economy generally, as employers seek means of retaining loyal staff.

"The results of this survey will come as good news to employers and employees actively participating in Irish Work Life Balance Day on 1 March" said John McGarry of Deloitte.

"Work life balance policies can help both employers and employees to reconcile work needs with lives outside of the workplace, said McGarry.

"Put simply, it means putting in place working arrangements and policies which assist workers to combine employment with other responsibilities and choices. Such arrangements offer employers the opportunity to develop a more productive and committed workforce", he added.

The survey found that the most popular flexible work option offered by managers is flexible hours - up from 65% in 2002 to 82% in 2004.

Only 68% of managers now claim to offer parental leave, even though this is now a legal requirement.

While employers are legally obliged to provide maternity and unpaid parental leave, an increasing number are offering paid leave to both parents.

The number of companies offering teleworking has increased from 36% in 2002 to 44% in 2004 and there has been a slight drop in the number of organisations offering term-time working, from 19% in 2002 to 15% in 2004.

According to the survey flexible work life balance arrangements are particularly prevalent within the technology, media, telecommunications and financial services sectors.