In 2002 the National Framework Committee for Work Life Balance awarded funding for work life balance projects in eight organisations with the aim of using the learning from these companies to assist other organisations in introducing similar projects.

The projects covered diverse areas - from e-working to stress management courses to the assessment of work life balance needs and the implementation of a package of work life balance options. A total of €157,965 funding was provided to the organisations which employed a total of 18,470 employees.

The projects highlighted

• the positive effects of introducing these policies
• ideas for the promotion of work life balance that may be relevant for other organisations
• a number of obstacles many of which were overcome.

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The organisations and projects funded were:

An Garda Síochána - training programme to promote existing work life balance
Abbott Vascular Devices Ireland Ltd (formally Biocompatibles) - pilot e-working project
Hertz Europe Service Centre - Stress management programme
Jurys Doyle Hotel Group Plc - Work life balance co-ordinator
SIPTU - Pilot e-working project
Trocaire - Effect of relocation on employees lives
Western Care Association - Formalising work life balance in organisation
Oracle Corporation - 3 stranded work life balance programme

Projects summary 2004

In November 2003 the National Framework Committee advertised a second round of funding for Work Life Balance Projects to take place within individual organisations.  There were an unprecedented number of applications and the limited funding available was awarded to the following organisations.

South West Wexford Development Project
Research, implement, review and evaluate work life balance policies and procedures.

Leitrim County Council
Conduct work shops to create work life balance policy and practice within the organisation.

NUI Galway
Raise awareness of Work Life Balance in NUI Galway; gather data to plan and develop a work life balance policy and implement specific projects.

Ballymun Job Centre
Examine and extend current flexitime scheme and research other flexible work patterns and draw up guidelines for their initial implementation.

Galway Association
Review existing arrangements and policies and conduct research amongst staff on existing or desirable arrangements.

National Youth Federation
Survey staff and produce a work life balance manual.  Introduce work life balance policies and train managers on these.

NUI Maynooth
Evaluate the university?s policies on work life balance and produce a learning pack for staff members.