The EIRO industrial relations observatory reports that around 500,000 workers in the general state administration are covered by a new agreement on working time, parental leave and protection against sexual harassment and violence at work. Working hours can be more flexible with the core working day now 9.00-15.00 allowing workers more scope to balance with caring responsibilities for children or disabled relatives. Since the EIRO report the CCOO has endorsed the agreement as it is now separate from any negotiations over pay.
Read more at > EIRO
Work-life balance agreement in public sector
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Telework and work-life balance
After the surge in remote working as a result of the pandemic, trade unions in Ireland, Russia and Spain have welcomed new initiatives, including legislation and collective agreements, that regulate telework. Research by the Eurofound research agency also looks into the negative and positive implications of telework for workers’ autonomy and work-life balance raising again the challenges to ensure that workers have control over their working time and underlining the importance of current discussions at European level on the right to disconnect.
Positive impact of work-life balance
Widespread family-friendly working could be a real boost to jobs, productivity and growth according to a study commissioned by the German Minister for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth. The survey covered eight major employers in the private and public sector including the Vattenfall utilities group and the Federal Insurance Institution for Salaried Employees. It found higher commitment from employees and lower staff turnover as a result of family-friendly policies. Read more at > EIRO