Poor work-life balance in the North West sees one in three relationships suffer

NEARLY one in three people in the North West have been in a relationship that has suffered because of work pressures, according to a poll released by a leading health and safety body Thursday, 10 January 2011.

In the run up to Valentine’s Day, a poll of 2,000 people by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) explored how a poor work-life balance can drive a wedge between you and your partner.

Some 30% of those who took part in the survey from the North West said that they had been in a relationship adversely affected by poor work-life balance, with the two main problems being long working hours and high workloads.

IOSH Immediate Past President John Holden, from Bury, said:- “It’s worrying that such a large proportion of people let work take such a disproportionate influence on their lives, and their home lives are suffering as a result. The recession, when combined with a shift in working culture, has left many in the North West fearing for their jobs and they’re working even harder and longer to safeguard their livelihoods. That’s having an adverse affect on people’s mental health, and ultimately, their relationships. Wellbeing programmes are a great way for businesses to make sure their employees achieve a better work-life balance – helping to make their staff more resilient and productive.”

In the North West, 58%t of people surveyed said that said their work-life balance was either very poor, poor or could be better. And surprisingly, only 21% one in five - of respondents said their employer had a wellbeing programme in place.

John added:- “When people balance work with life, they are more productive, more motivated and less likely to quit. That’s why a good wellbeing programme makes perfect business sense.”

Leading researcher in the field of quality working life, Professor Cary Cooper, said:- “IOSH’s poll ties in with the fact that the UK has the longest working hours in Europe. One of the main issues that leads to a poor work-life balance is bad management. There are managers out there who create a culture where people feel they cannot leave - they have to come early or stay late. Employers need to be open to flexible working hours to allow home-life and work-life to have a healthy balance. Saying that, it’s also down to the individual to make sure they organise their lives well and manage their workloads, avoiding working long hours. If people are experiencing a poor work-life balance they are not investing time with their partner, spouse, kids, friends or even families – and that is what causes a breakdown in these relationships.”

IOSH’s poll is part of its ongoing campaign to encourage companies to introduce wellbeing programmes or policies into the workplace.

Wellbeing is high on the Government agenda and, in these tough economic times, a wellbeing policy can make the difference for any company – making employees more resilient. Such a policy could include:-

► Flexible working hours (including working from home) - this can help staff to manage their work-life balance and make sure they remain productive

► A longer lunch break for staff once a week to allow the employee to attend a gym or even meet their partner for lunch, for example

► Discounts on gym membership, healthy eating options in the canteen and cycle storage.

For further information on creating a wellbeing policy
 

Art takes to the (shop) floor

MEMBERS of a multi-cultural mental health drop in centre in Liverpool are set to transform an empty shop into a haven of wellbeing.  On Thursday, 10 February 2011, a group from the Mary Seacole House will unveil a special art exhibition called the Journey of Principles of Pleasure at the former Rapid Paint Shop on Renshaw Street. The project explores their inspirational experiences which have changed their mindset from that of ‘I can’t, to ‘I can’.

With the help of local respected artist and holistic therapist Kim Ryan, the men and women have used art, photography, film poetry, creative writing and alternative therapies to express how they feel as they try to live a more positive, happier and healthier life.

The inspirational piece sees the group overcome mental obstacles such as ‘I can’t be bothered’; “I’m not good enough”; “Who cares?”. One member who couldn’t read or write is now attending college for maths and English and another who had a phobia of touching people, is now looking at taking aromatherapy courses after taking part in the project.

The Journey of Principles of Pleasure is part of the Shops Upfront programme - a Culture Liverpool project which allows artists to use empty retail units for short term exhibitions, workshops and art events, providing a platform for artists’ work and improving the look of the area.

Liverpool city council’s cabinet member for culture and tourism, Councillor Wendy Simon, said:- “This is a fantastic initiative and has had a positive impact on the lives of those involved. Shops Upfront not only utilises empty shop units, but brings fascinating exhibitions to the city centre, giving local artists a platform to showcase their work. Just last month the Decade of Health and Wellbeing was launched and this latest work fits in perfectly. One of the aims is to ‘Take Notice’ and I can guarantee anyone who sees this exhibition will be inspired and will certainly take notice of these amazing life stories.”

The city council is working in partnership with Merepark who are the developers behind Central Village project and own the Paint Shop on Renshaw Street and the former Lewis’ and Watsons buildings – both of which, along with several other premises, have been used for Shops Upfront project since May 2010.

Ian Jones from Merepark said:- “With Central Village we are creating a sustainable, vibrant community around Bold Street and Central Station. Initiatives like the Shops Upfront project make a great contribution to the atmosphere of the area and we are delighted to be able to offer our support.”

Shops Upfront is jointly funded by the city council, the Department of Communities and Local Government, Arts Council England and supported by various property agents and owners, and has been running since April 2010.

Find out more about the Shops Upfront project by searching for them on Facebook.

Chief Executive Appointed for Liverpool Community Health

BERNIE Cuthel has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of Liverpool Community Health.  The appointment comes following a 3 month interim period throughout which Ms Cuthel operated as Acting Chief Executive. Prior to holding that position, she was Managing Director of Liverpool Community Health.  Ms Cuthel has spent 25 years working in the NHS, starting in Occupational Therapy and eventually leading Liverpool Community Health into independent Trust status.  She said:- “I am delighted to have been appointed Chief Executive of this ground-breaking organisation, and am looking forward to building on the many successes Liverpool Community Health has already achieved, both since it was named as a separate NHS Trust in its own right and before.”  Frances Molloy, Chair of Liverpool Community Health, welcomed the appointment. She said:- “In appointing a Chief Executive, it was vital that that person understood the needs of both the organisation and the community which we serve. Bernie has demonstrated time and time again that she can deliver innovative services in even the toughest of financial climates and the Board look forward to working with her as she continues to build on her successes.”