Case Study - Lloyds TSB

Case study - Lloyds TSB

Work-life balance helps recruit, and keep, top-calibre staff

A survey among Lloyds TSB staff indicated that work-life balance was more important to many staff than improvements to pay and conditions. Focus groups were used to expand on this and external consultants used to formulate policy.

A system was introduced where individuals:

• initiate request for change
• make a business case application using a guidance pack
• conduct a dialogue with their line manager.

If there is no negative impact on business the request is approved.

The company is open to all suggestions, for example part-time, job-share, compressed hours, teleworking etc or a combination of these.

The process is monitored and a staff newsletter used to keep people up to date on ideas. Of the applications received:

• 93% were approved
• 23% were from managers
• 15% from men.

The benefits are:

For the bank - 'There is a very clear business imperative for us, as what differentiates us from our competitors is the quality of our people. To maintain that edge we need to recruit and retain the right calibre of personnel.'
Sally Evans, Head of Equal Opportunities

For staff - 'This is a good start to the long process of getting a sensible policy on work-life balance for staff and bank.'
Ed Sweeney, Joint General Secretary, UNIFI