Image Border - Irish Business and employers confederation

8
Case Studies (Small)
8.1 Calor Gas NI Ltd (NI)
8.1.1 Background
Calor Gas NI Ltd is a distributor of liquefied petroleum gas.
The business is located in Belfast and employs 72 staff.
8.1.2 Measures
One of the measures operated at Calor Gas NI is reduced
hours following maternity leave. Gillian Witherow worked for
Calor Gas Northern Ireland as a HR Officer for 4 years on a
full-time basis until she had her first child. After her maternity
leave, Gillian returned to work on a 3-day basis. Following the
birth of her second child, Gillian returned to work on a 2-day
week basis. Now that her son has settled into a nursery, Gillian
has resumed working a 3-day a week.
8.1.3 Benefits to Employer
Calor Gas has benefited from this arrangement with
Gillian in that they have been able to keep a valued
member of staff and have not had the costs of
recruiting and training a new employee.
8.1.4 Benefits to Employee
Gillian feels that by working part-time she is both more
focused at home and in the workplace. She feels that
she was allowed get the balance of work and home
right after having her two children.
8.2.2 Measures
Individualised flexible working and leave arrangements are
agreed to suit staff requirements.
One employee bought 24 additional days annual leave which
was deducted from her salary at two days per month so she
could spend all school holidays with her children. A maternity
returner works a three-day week for the moment, choosing
her days and hours. One father works a seven-day fortnight so
he can share childcare with his wife. Another father works a
compressed (four day) full-time week, as does the MD. Two
trainers arrive to work after they have met their childcare
needs.
Children are welcome to come into the office when staff
childcare arrangements breakdown.
Regular (3/4 times per year) checking on staff satisfaction in
relation to work-life-balance.
8.2.3 Benefits to Employer
Open phone lines to clients for an extra half hour per
day
Unsolicited CVs from prospective employees
Employee parents are more motivated and confident to
perform their job well
Employee parents are more focused at work and
committed to the organisation
Absenteeism is reduced and retention increased
8.2 Happy Computers (UK)
8.2.1 Background
Happy Computers is a small private company engaged in
computer training and operating in London and South-East
England. The company won Employer of the Year Innovation
Award in 2003.
8.2.4 Benefits to Employees
Flexibility
Working long hours is discouraged
Staff are judged by results, not hours worked
Emergency childcare
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