Nationwide

Organisational challenge/context

It has been clear to Nationwide Building Society that enabling their staff to work flexibly helps them achieve their business objectives. 76% of Nationwide's staff is female and, although the wide range of policies in place helps all employees achieve the work/life balance they seek, the Society is aware such programmes are of particular value to women.

Intervention(s)

A wide variety of flexible working arrangements, including part-time, flexitime, homeworking, compressed working week, job share, annualised hours, term time and shift working are available to all staff. Leave policies allow them time off to pursue interests outside work, while a flexible benefits scheme enables employees to buy additional days' holiday. A choice of childcare vouchers and preferential rates at childcare providers assists working parents.

Results/benefits

93% of employees now return from maternity leave
uptake of all flexible working options continues to increase substantially
staff turnover is just over half the industry average
employee surveys suggest 76% are happy with their work/life balance
operating costs fell by £185 million between 1999 and 2002

Company Description
Nationwide, a mutual company, is the largest Building Society in the world, the UK’s fourth largest mortgage lender and eighth largest retail banking, saving and lending organisation by asset size

Website
www.nationwide.co.uk

Case Study
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