As its National Work-Life Week from 7th-11th October, with the theme of #FlexWork our Parent and Carers EDI Network look at how GC promotes flexible working for all its colleagues.
What is flexible working
Within GC we operate a hybrid way of working. This empowers colleagues in specific roles, to have some flexibility over when, how and where they work, in line with business need, specifically to suit the needs of the service and our customers.
For colleagues wanting a more formalised arrangement, whether this be a change in their working hours, location etc, they have the opportunity to make a Flexible Working request.
Take a look at the Our Working Way handbook to find out more about GC’s ways of working.
GC’s commitment to flexible working
GC proactively promoted flexible working before it became the norm post-pandemic. As a Gold accredited Investors in People organisation, GC actively strives to improve on its workplace culture, making it a more equitable place for all colleagues. Added to this we are a member of Working Families, who are the UK’s work-life balance charity.
As far back as 2017 GC introduced ‘Dress for your day’ and ‘Work your way’, to improve services to clients, and empower colleagues to have more control over how, when and where they undertook key activities.
Naomi Ilagoswa, Co-chair of the Parents & Carers network says:
“With two children, having a work life balance is vital and working at GC allows me to have that. Our agile policy means I’m able to work at home part of the week, allowing me to do the school pick up and nip to the odd school event. I also get chance to deal with all the school admin. I thought we loved sending emails at GC, we have nothing on the school office!”
Benefits of Flexible working
There are many benefits to flexible working, including:
- Reducing unnecessary travel, and removing travelling to work at peak traffic times, this way of working is also in line with GC commitment to reach net zero by 2035. Find out more about how we are encouraging colleagues to reduce their carbon footprint here
- Boosting performance: GC colleagues are more empowered to work in ways that suit them, which benefits GC. Our biannual survey in April 2023 found that 86% of colleagues would recommend GC as a good employer.
- EDI: Flexible working helps parents to return and stay in work, and can help carers with their caring responsibilities, it helps people with health conditions stay in work. So, whether you have caring or parental responsibilities, health needs or just want to work differently to suit your lifestyle, then GC will help you find a work-life balance that fits your lifestyle.
- Health and Wellbeing: Taking a lunch time walk, visiting the gym or picking up your children from school are all ways of flexible working. GC promotes health and wellbeing for all its colleagues. Working flexibly is great for the mind, body and soul! Being able to flex means at GC we can retain the best talent in a way that works for all of us.
Jon-Paul Rimington, Managing Director of GC Education & Skills, and SMT sponsor of the Parents & Carers Network reflected saying.
“Maintaining a good work/life balance is essential for all our wellbeing - whether that’s taking time to be with your family and friends, or simply taking time for yourself. At the Growth Company, ensuring that everyone is happy and healthy is paramount and, talking to colleagues and your line manager about this is actively encouraged. This National Work Life Week I would urge you to reflect on what you can do to get a better balance, and to look at the support available to you, ensuring you’re making the most of your time in and outside of work.”
If you would like to find out more about flexible working speak to your manager or contact the HR Service Desk.
Find out more about the Parent and Carers EDI Network here