Delegates at a Work-Life Balance event next month will learn that a compromise between work and personal life is the key to running a successful business.

The event has been organised jointly by Lochaber Enterprise and representatives from the Women into Work Project managed through Lochaber College, and will be held at Inverlochy Castle on Tuesday 11 February.

The organisers hope the event will convince local employers that adopting flexible working conditions for their staff can boost profits as well as improve the working atmosphere.  Examples from local employers will be used to demonstrate how a small change in attitude towards working conditions can boost productivity on many levels.

Tina Davenport, skills development manager with Lochaber Enterprise, hopes that local businesses will use the opportunity to their advantage:

"Work-life balance isn't all about offering childcare, as important as this is.  It can be as simple as adjusting work patterns and offering flexible working hours to give staff the flexibility to balance both their personal and work life.

"It can be stressful if you have to juggle work and personal commitments.  When making career choices, many of today's employees are looking for flexible working hours to fit around their childcare arrangements or simply an employer that recognises them as a valuable member of staff.

"For employers, especially in Lochaber where there is a real shortage of labour at the moment, it is vital to attract and retain high calibre staff.  Flexible working is an attractive asset when it comes to recruiting staff and we hope this event will demonstrate how businesses can benefit from adopting work-life balance policies."

Research shows that employers who promote work-life balance benefit from greater productivity, increased cost savings, improved recruitment, better staff and customer loyalty, and reduced absenteeism.

Nicola Smith co-ordinator of the Women into Work Project said:  "There are a number of women throughout Lochaber with a wide variety of skills who are considering returning to the workplace.

"For many of these women, achieving a balance between their working and personal life is an increasingly important factor when considering the options available to them.

"Through the Women into Work Project, we look to offer practical measures, advice, and support to women in this position.  The project also looks to build strong links with local businesses, encouraging and supporting them in the adoption of family friendly policies.  Getting the balance right is vitally important for both employer and employee, leading to strong working relationships which strengthen the growth of both the individual and the organisation.  This conference is a great opportunity to raise awareness of the many aspects of work life balance and highlight the real benefits to be gained by everyone involved."  
 
* A small number of places are available at the event.  Reserve your place by phoning Nicola Smith on 01397 874209 or email Nicola.smith@lochaber.uhi.ac.uk