Work life balance remains under scrutiny from employers and the government.
Not only in the public domain but also through the recent Taylor Report delivered in July 2017 based on work in the future. This will also be escalated and given further drive through next year’s flexible working rules coming in to effect.
On the back of this law firm CMS UK have launched a new policy to allow employees to take a form of unpaid “sabbatical” for a month for every year they’re employed by the company calling it their “time out” policy. The new policy gives employees a fantastic opportunity to address their work life balance giving them a substantial period of time each year for other interests. The leave is given with no questions asked however, it is discretionary to ensure it fits in with business requirements.
Penelope Warne, senior partner at CMS UK, said: “We are committed to developing a culture which supports a shared responsibility for managing a successful work-life balance. We recognise that some of our people may wish or need to take an extended break from work for a wide variety of personal reasons during the course of their employment.
“All employees, with the exception of trainees, are eligible, within each calendar year, for a time out break where they may apply for a period of unpaid leave of up to one month. We continue to evolve our policies to support a culture where reasonable requests and a spirit of personal responsibility will be encouraged and supported.”
CMS UK has 3,700 employees and the policy forms part of their wellness program and support package to employees to help reduce stress, promote health and give employees the opportunity to manage their workloads more effectively.
