Word Association

Word is practising what it preaches by using media relations to get local and national coverage for its work life balance practises. Chief Executive for Word Association, Mark Thomas, has been interviewed by the Business Section of the Mail on Sunday and the Leicester Mercury, discussing the new regulations and how work-life balance has helped Word Association.

The new law, which came into effect on 6th April 2009, allows parents with children under 16 to be able to request flexible working rights from their employer. The previous age limit was six when introduced in 2003. Word was the first marketing consultancy in the UK to be awarded the national Work-Life Balance Standard when it introduced work-life balance for its employees 10 years ago.

The organisation firmly believes it brings out the best in people. Mark Thomas says: “You have to adapt to a new style of management, focused more on output than the hours people put in. Flexible working has helped increase productivity and reduce sickness and staff turnover.”If you require advice on making flexible working work for your organisation then contact Word Association. As well as advice on Work-Life Balance Mark makes a useful, and in parts humorous presentation about his experiences, both good and bad, of setting up flexible working practices.

Read the full article printed in the Mail on Sunday and Leicester Mercury.