EARLY bird and night owl workers are both being catered for in a forward thinking flexitime scheme.
Staff at Cassons chartered accountants and business advisers are striking a better work/life balance by choosing their own office hours.
Human resources manager Keith Boothroyd said: “Our employees can now juggle their hours for their own needs
“Some people are naturally early birds whilst others are night owls. Flexible working hours suits all preferences.”
The system is particularly popular with female staff at Cassons’ two busy offices in Manchester and Haslingden.
Alison Jordan, an audit senior at the Haslingden office, has worked for Cassons for more than 20 years. Seven years ago she switched from full-time to part-time hours following the birth of her second child.
Keith adds: “Since the introduction of flexitime, Alison has been able to adjust her working hours with the firm allowing her to cope with the needs of a growing family.
“Cassons have benefited by retaining a highly skilled and valued employee.”
Another professional staff member – Hannah Large – is a full time working mother. Flexitime means she can leave the office at 4pm and spend quality time with her daughter, Katie.
Hannah says: “I think flexitime is great. I work my contracted hours and I don’t feel guilty if I need to come in later or leave earlier to look after Katie.
“It’s one less worry for me and I really enjoy the time with my little girl before she goes to bed.”
Other guilt free advantages to flextime working are:
- Easy access to medical and school appointments
- Being at home for delivery or repair men.
- Late morning starts after a night out or late business meeting.
- Time to enjoy nice weather or retail therapy.
Keith says: “Flexitime removes the sense of guilt as staff still work their contracted hours".
Flexitime was piloted by Cassons in 2003. After returning from a trip to America, Les Nutter introduced a ‘Summertime Special’ based on successful schemes he had seen at US firms.
This allowed staff at Cassons, from June through to September, to build up extra hours during a two week period in order to take off alternate Fridays and enjoy long weekends when the weather was good.
Following its soar away success, Cassons decided to introduce full flexitime two years ago.
Staff can start work between 7am and 10am and finish between 4pm and 7pm and, if they wish, work some of these hours at home. There is also the opportunity to take flexi leave of one full day or two half days within each 4 week period.
Cassons’ outstanding service levels are maintained by managing the scheme to ensure clients always have access to a familiar member of staff.
Les says: “The system works very well, staff are motivated, appreciate the benefits and the job gets done.”
Date:14 February 2008
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