March 29, 2007 - EEF BACKS FLAGSHIP CAMPAIGN TO TACKLE STRESS AT WORK

ONE of the North East’s key business support bodies is backing a flagship campaign as it believes achieving a work-life balance is key to lowering stress levels and eliminating possible issues which prevail in the region.

EEF Northern has signed up to Work Wise North East campaign as it is firmly committed to challenging traditional nine to five working practices in favour of flexible working practices.

EEF specialises in employment law and its HR and legal team advises over 450 business members on best practice. Their team of experts knows only too well the impact of workplace stress and lifestyle imbalance can have on levels of absenteeism.

Alan Hall, director of EEF Northern said: “Imbalance of work and home life increases stress and has resulted in increased levels of absence which is having a major impact on the UK economy. Loss of production, sickness absence, low employee morale, high staff turnover, insurance and compensation costs - it all adds up to the need for a step change in working practices.

“For every pound a business spends on employing a member of staff, it costs the business at least double that when the employee is absent. It is a message that should ring alarm bells on the bottom line but UK businesses are not taking this seriously enough.

“More needs to be done to help employers in both the private and public sector recognise the benefits of flexible working. Prolonged absence from stress related illness not only harms the company, but also causes further anxiety for the employee and reduces the chance of a successful return to work” said Alan.

“Employers need to look after their staff and ensure they have opportunities to work flexibly - this can help to lower stress levels, particularly for carers and parents and can help reduce absenteeism” said Alan.

Some employees already have the right to work flexibly and the government has legislated for further changes to the flexible working regulations which take effect from April 2007.

EEF Northern is committed to the Work Wise campaign and will ensure that companies are given the best advice and support in adopting smarter working practices such as mobile working, remote working and working from home.

It has pledged to improve its own flexible working policy for its 38 staff in Washington, as part of its ongoing commitment to smarter working. EEF has already achieved the ISO 9001 quality management accreditation which tests that companies have appropriate systems in place, including policies affecting staff. This has already improved staff morale and motivation and has resulted much better levels of customer service.

Phil Flaxton, Chief Executive of Work Wise UK said:

“We are delighted that EEF has signed up to be a key partner in this campaign. As employment experts, they know only too well that flexible working practices can make a massive difference to the life of the employee and to the company’s bottom line.

“A healthy, happy workplace boosts productivity, takes the strain off government and the health service and adds to the bottom line of UK plc. But to reduce absenteeism through the introduction of smarter working practices demands a step-change in employer behaviours” said Phil

Simon Roberson, chairman of Work Wise North East said:

“It’s great to have EEF on board - we know they will take a proactive lead in encouraging companies of all sizes to take up the Work Wise mantle. Northern industry is competing in an increasingly challenging climate, and employee absence, with its impact on company finances and productivity, is urgently in need of attention.”

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Media contact: Sheila Chapman, Sheila Chapman PR on 07732 827 486 email scpr@btopenworld.com

Notes to editors:

• Further information about Work Wise UK can be found on the website www.workwiseuk.org .
• Work Wise North East has attracted wide-ranging support from leading organisations in the region. Strategic partners include the TUC, One NorthEast, Government Office, North East Chamber of Commerce, Onyx Group, EEF Northern, Workplace Travel Planning Company, Dickinson Dees and BT. Other supporters include the Journal, CBI, Federation of Small Businesses, Northumberland County Council, Northern Business Forum and Women into the Network.