A toolkit to support human resource practice

摘要

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to outline the development of a toolkit designed to assist UKrnsmall to medium enterprise businesses (SMEs) manage work-life balance (WLB) policies and practicernissues, across the life stages.rnDesign/methodology/approach - A multi-method approach was adopted combining a literaturernreview, limited empirical study and piloting of the toolkit.rnFindings - Life stages pose complex work-life challenges for employees and resource and workforcernmanagement issues for employers. Demographics, employment cultures and socio-economic andrnlabour market trends impact on the physical and psychological wellbeing of employees. In striving tornfulfil multiple work-life roles, workers constantly face challenges in terms of (un)paid workon-workrncommitments, caring responsibilities and changing family structures resulting in work/familyrntensions. This leads to workforce planning, recruitment and retention costs for businesses. Employersrnface challenges in working with the growing number of WLB policies and in monitoring andrnevaluating policies, practices and procedures. SMEs require support to adopt a comprehensive WLBrnapproach, whilst meeting operational requirements within resource capabilities and ensuring businessrnsustainability.rnPractical implications - The toolkit is a source of WLB guidance for practitioners and those withrnan HR role in SMEs. The paper encourages reflection on research from business and social sciencernresearch to better inform human resource (HR) practice.rnOriginality/value - The paper identifies the critical need for "WLB across the life-stages" policy andrnpractice guidance for UK SMEs.