Case Study: Flexible Working - Accord PLC

Accord supports female staff with childcare responsibilities through a flexible working programme. Flexible contracts include part-time working and compressed hours which allow working mothers to have at least half a day between Monday and Friday for quality time with their child. Home working is also supported with the appropriate materials and training.

Recently of the eleven women who have returned to work, two have been promoted to more senior roles, one of which includes taking managerial responsibility for a team of 7 employees.

There is a growing trend to agree to flexible working for men and women, for example, where they have caring responsibilities or are approaching retirement. In these cases the company considers options, such as, reduced working hours or working from home.

Staff continue to take advantage of flexible working and have taken on increased responsibility.

Accord have recognised that there is a shortage of skills in some areas and are encouraging women to return to work after the birth of their child, where they are keen to do so. In a traditionally male-dominated industry it is particularly important to retain as balanced a workforce as possible.

There has been little impact on the turnover of women returners. The majority return to their original post.