ONE of Scotland’s largest constructions firms has launched a flexible working project for its employees.
City Building (Glasgow) implemented the new hours alongside Family Friendly Working Scotland (FFWS).
It comes as the Scottish Government confirmed continued funding for FFWS – a partnership between a number of organisations looking to improve work-life balance.
Only 10% of City Building’s employees are women, and the firm said it was looking to challenge the “perception that flexible working is only for working mothers”.
FFWS carried out a survey of the construction firm’s staff and found that more than half felt requesting flexible working would indicate they were not serious about their job.
Workshops were carried out to help identify and agree flexible working hours, allowing employees to support elderly relatives or fulfil childcare requirements.
Graham McLaughlin, a gas engineer at the firm, now works from 10am to 6pm, instead of the regular 9 to 5, to assist with childcare commitments.
He said: “Changing my hours to help with my childcare has really helped me in my day-to-day life.
“It’s a really small change, but it makes a big difference to my work life balance.”
More than 150 employees at City Building had said they would like to change their start and finishing times.
Employability Minister Jamie Hepburn said: “The Scottish Government is committed to promoting a flexible, family-friendly working culture which aligns business success with a balanced work and family life.
“It’s also important that we continue to attract and retain a diverse workforce necessary for economic growth.
“I’m therefore pleased to announce that the Scottish Government will be providing continued support to Family Friendly Working Scotland with £159,000 of funding, in line with the aims of our forthcoming Gender Pay Gap Action Plan to promote fair work principles and he wider economic benefits these bring.”
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