• Step 5: Carefully measure progress

    Before tackling the implementation and communication plan and for any work-life balance initiative, management must agree on objectives and how they will be measured. This is crucial because the success of work-life balance measures is dictated by a variety of factors, for example: existing organisational culture, type of business, automation and digitalisation, as well as the degree of gender-equality engagement...

  • Step 4: Design a solid implementation plan

    It is advisable to prepare an implementation plan for the rollout of work-life balance measures. This should include the methodology and timeline, as well as details about who will collect what data throughout the process. Regular monitoring sessions, for example through monthly steering-group meetings, can help the team evaluate progress and fine-tune objectives. The implementation plan should be based on...

  • Step 3: Maximise buy-in from stakeholders

    There are many ways to secure enthusiasm for change in the workplace. Motivation can come from both management and from employees. Groups of employees can form a network to create mentoring and discussion opportunities in order to bring attention to the issue, and HR departments may begin evaluation and certification for ‘family-friendly employer’ awards. In some cases, the decision to...

  • Step 2: Identify potential resistance and find solutions

    Even though work-life balance measures appear to benefit employees, organisations and the community equally, they face risks unless a prior gender needs analysis is carried out. A proper risk assessment allows stakeholders to make solid contingency plans. Organisations need to have a clear understanding of the costs involved in the roll-out of work-life balance measures. Though there are significant differences...

  • Step 1: Identify national work-life balance initiatives and partners

    Measures that work for one company might not work for another company operating in the same country, which is why multinational companies are particularly struggling to implement work-life balance policies effectively across country offices. Attitudes to work-life balance are shaped by a country’s history, culture and norms, which are usually reflected in domestic legislation. Before starting to design work-life balance...

  • Step-by-step approach to building a compelling business case

    The purpose of a well-developed business plan is to serve as a blueprint for business initiatives, such as the roll-out of work-life balance measures. A business plan should define benchmarks, map stakeholders, and outline what data will be gathered and which data collection methods will be used. A compelling business case speaks to multiple target groups and secures buy-in through...

  • Work-life balance in the ICT sector: The argument for work-life balance measures

    This business case advocates for organisational change and outlines how organisations in the ICT sector can boost equal opportunities and gender-equality through human-resource management to attract and retain female talent. Making workplaces inclusive for women is in the best interest of the ICT sector. It enables them to tap into a larger talent pool and reduces costs resulting from an...

  • Women in the ICT sector

    The digitalisation of virtually all sectors of economic activity is providing unique opportunities for economic growth and for a greater inclusion of women in the labour market. The need for STEM and ICT skills is growing in all sectors, from healthcare to manufacturing, opening up new employment options for everybody. Recent forecasts show that by 2020 there will be a...

  • EU policies on work-life balance

    In 2017 the EU adopted the Pillar of Social Rights to help deliver more effective rights for citizens. It builds on 20 key principles, many of which are relevant to gender equality and work-life balance in employment. One of the goals of the European Pillar for Social Rights is the New Start initiative, which aims to address the work–life balance...

  • Gender impact assessment: gender mainstreaming toolkit

    The principle of gender mainstreaming means taking systematic account of the differences between the conditions, situations and needs of women and men in all Community policies and actions. Gender impact...