University News Last updated 12 March 2009
Birmingham City University's commitment to the wellbeing of its staff has been recognised at a regional awards ceremony.
The Birmingham Best Business Awards for the Development of Work Life Balance 2008 celebrated the achievement of the work undertaken by Birmingham employers in supporting work life balance for their employee. Birmingham City University was nominated as one of the finalists from 15 employers who applied for the Award in the Large Business Category. The University was also one of two employers from the same category to receive a Commendation for competitive benchmarking.
Birmingham City University recognises the important contribution which work life balance practices can make to the lives of its employees and in May 2007 extended the right to request flexible working to all of its employees. Other key best practices to support work life balance and employee health and well-being include:
- A variety of flexible working options such as part time working, job share, compressed hours, home-working, variable hours and term time only contracts and localised flexitime schemes.
- Private Healthcare Scheme, Occupational Health Services and Employee Assistance Programme.
- 32 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
- On site nursery facilities and childcare voucher scheme.
- Enhanced maternity and adoption leave and pay.
Birmingham City University recognises that its work life balance policies encourage a diverse and flexible workforce better placed to respond effectively to the University's needs, therefore having a positive impact on its ability to strive to be competitive and attract and retain the very best people it can.
Angela Pocock, Director of Human Resources, said: "This award recognises the significant amount of work the University has undertaken in devising and making available to existing and potential employees support which helps them to balance all aspects of their lives."