A Pearn Kandola review has upped the profile of work life balance at Dublin Bus. The audit findings have given managers a better understanding of why flexibility is important and ensured employees’ requests are dealt with consistently across the company. Dublin Bus is also clearer about what works for them in terms of expanding these arrangements.

Dublin city’s major public transport provider enjoys a reputation as an employer with a positive approach to flexible working. The audit, which surveyed a cross-section of over 1000 staff members, aimed to build on that success and extend flexibility, particularly to attract and retain female drivers.

To provide a quality service to customers, Dublin Bus already gave employees the opportunity to work flexi-time, to swap shifts and to job share. The audit – carried out in consultation with staff and trade unions – found that most people were generally satisfied with these working practices. But Pearn Kandola saw further scope for raising awareness of the flexible options available, and for ensuring they were managed in a fairer, less ad hoc fashion.

Based on our recommendations, Dublin Bus produced guidelines and training for managers to prevent misinterpretation and misuse of working practices. This has been very successful. Some of the flexible options identified in the audit proved more workable than others.

Pearn Kandola’s audit was an important step for Dublin Bus, said Manager, Recruitment, Training & Equality, Pat Normanly:

“Employees are now more aware of what work life balance means and of their statutory entitlements. Managers also appreciate that they need to consider flexibility as part of their duty of care to employees – the guidelines have helped them to understand the legislation and adapt the principles in their own areas.”

“As an organisation we’ve realised that informal arrangements which meet individual needs and do not impact greatly on operational needs are the best way forward, and are focusing on integrating work life balance into issues like well-being, safety and day-to-day management.”