Update from Professor Chris Wigginton, ULT Champion for Parent & Carer Network.
As Champion of the staff Parent & Carer network, and as a parent and a carer myself, I’m aware of how important a healthy work life balance is for our network members; the recent staff opinion survey showed that only 62% of staff felt able to maintain that balance and we’re keen to build on that, not just for Parents and Carers, but for all staff.
As a University focused on transforming lives, Sheffield Hallam recognises the importance of providing a flexible working culture which not only supports business delivery but also improves the work life balance and health and well-being of its employees; this latest blog contains information about initiatives and resources across the University aimed at doing just that.
Flexible Working
Having a strategic approach to flexible working is a key element of supporting us all to have a positive work / life balance whilst ensuring the University has the workforce it needs for the future. The Flexible Working Group reports to the Gender Equality Steering Group and its objective is to develop a strategic position on flexible working and lead an action plan to take forward key pieces of work required to enable opportunities to be maximised, starting with a session for Senior Leaders in November. Further updates will follow later in the year, including the launch of a flexible working toolkit and access to a range of case studies.
- The current HR policy around flexible working requests can be found here: link to flexible working policy
Wellbeing
To support the “Transforming Lives” strategy, the Hallam Deal was created which aims to create a positive culture at the university with a focus on staff engagement and wellbeing. As part of the Hallam Deal, the staff wellbeing site is available for all staff to access and includes guidance around managing work/life balance. Support includes:
- Wellbeing Resources – contains self-help material ranging from dealing with stress to the 5 ways to wellbeing
- A useful guide to work/life balance – A guide to help identify what’s out of balance for you (it’s not always what you think) and to make the changes necessary to live a less stressful life.
- Talk to someone – if you feel you need some 1-2-1 support, we offer a range of internal and external support.
Additional Parent & Carer Resources
The Parent & Carer Network has recently launched its very own online reading list which contains lots of helpful books, articles and videos available from SHU Library. Topics range from practical parenting, self-care, mental health and of course, work life balance.
The Parent & Carer network has recently launched a pilot Buddy scheme, where network members can meet up with others and share their experiences. The pilot has proved very popular with parents, particularly those returning to work and wanting to find out how others have managed to achieve a healthy work life balance – to find out more visit our web page.
Simple tips to improve your work life balance this week
- Finish work on time
- Take a proper lunch break (preferably outdoors!)
- Go for a walk in the fresh air – perhaps suggest a walking team meeting to your colleagues?
- Set some healthy eating and exercise challenges for the week
Let us know how you’re getting involved by tweeting about it! #WorkLifeWeek
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