West Dunbartonshire Council’s efforts to ensure its employees enjoy a healthy work/life balance has seen it named as one of the country’s most flexible employers.
The award from charity Flexibility Works saw the local authority named in the top 10 of hundreds of entrants from all over the country.
Judges were impressed with the high volume of the council’s workforce already working flexibly throughout the organisation, and also praised the fact that all employees have a right to flexible working from their first day of employment.
Additionally, they highlighted the approach of flexibility for every employee and the focus on different workers including carers and new mums.
Employees have a number of opportunities to work in a way that suits them to support their work/life balance.
Options include working part-time, job share, shift working, home working, flexible hours, staggered hours, compressed hours and career breaks.
The council also offers carers returning to work following a period of unemployment or a break to have a family, a guaranteed interview to help them get back to work.
All vacant positions are advertised as suitable for flexible working and candidates are encouraged to indicate their preferred flexible working pattern on their application form.
The award, which was announced at an online ceremony, is the second accolade the council has received for its flexible and family-friendly policies, after being named the best public sector employer in the UK in 2017.
