A package of measures to improve work-life balance (Research)
External practice
Duration
Ongoing.
Partnership
Government.
Reason it was developed
The challenges faced by the union members relating to reconciling work and life commitments relate to extra hours after work, additional work hours imposed during recession, high stress levels, CPD requirements, member expectations of themselves, the pressure to ‘publish or perish’ and commuting distances.
Activities
The union has been undertaking surveys and other research to assess the extent of the problem e.g. gender balance research 2017. In 2016 TUI published a report on gender imbalance in promotions in tertiary education and how to address it through promotion processes and better work-life balance, partly leading to a Government action plan and annual monitoring.
Results
One of the key achievements of the union has been the negotiated leave entitlements. The remaining challenges relate to not having addressed the male/female take-up of leave or sharing of caring responsibilities. Equally, the union hasn’t been able to address the issue for its own staff as they tend to use phone and email a lot even during annual leave.
Funding
Combination of union internal funds.