Background and Rationale for Family Friendly working arrangements
Family Friendly working arrangements in eircom are part of the "Diversity 2000 Programme". This programme came about as a result of a staff survey which focussed on employees' views, opinions and experiences in relation to equality and diversity within the company. eircom also conducted a work-life needs assessment, which involved focus groups of employees and interviews with senior management. This research was geographically spread and included a cross section of employees from different business units, and was carried out in conjunction with two groups of consultants with an expertise in this field.
While traditionally the company's predecessor Telecom ireann, had a history of having family-friendly policies, eircom has broadened the agenda to include work-life balance issues. The work-life balance strategy is currently being developed in partnership with the Trade Unions and includes:
- Guides to Flexible Working.
- A Self-Assessment for prospective teleworkers.
- Guides for teleworkers and their managers.
- Research and Information on Carer's Roles (e.g. awareness on new entitlements and parent and eldercare guides)
- A Work-Life Needs Assessment -exploring how employees manage their work and personal lives.
- A Work -Life Balance Policy.
- Diversity intranet web-site (which includes information on stress management, managers guide on flexible working, parent's page, carer's page).
- Parent Packs for new parents.
Future Plans:
- Exploring with other businesses, on partnership basis, the provision of creche facilities.
- Exploring the benefits of a Help-line to assist employees
Family Friendly Policies
In addition eircom also has the following family-friendly policies in place:
- Creche Facilities
- Teleworking
- Career Breaks
- Statutory Leave Entitlements
- Flexible Working
- Special Leave for Domestic Purposes
- Education Support
- Flexitime
- On-line Learning
- Job Sharing
- Employee Assistance Programme - which provides professional advice to employees experiencing difficulties in either their domestic or work life.
For further information please contact the eircom Diversity Office on
6714444
Contact names : Grainne O Boyle or Mary E Collins
