Contemporary Case Studies in HRM Report
Sam1994
Casestudyscenariosummary.docx
Case scenario - Work-life-balance and well-being in a professional services firm
CWP Services is a professional services firm that provides change management and HR consulting services to organizations, across a range of business sectors. CWP Services currently employs 13,500 staff, across Europe; 65% of the workforce is male and 35% female.
One of the firm’s diversity management goals is to increase the percentage of female employees, especially those working in senior roles. However as with other professional service firms the nature of the work - client-focused, long hours working, often working away from home - is making it difficult for the organization to achieve this particular diversity goal.
Whilst in the past the firm has not found it difficult to attract and retain key talent, the organization has started to notice that the number of both young male and female applicants has started to decline. In addition, the number of staff leaving after 3 - 5 years with the firm has started to increase, particularly amongst those aged 35-45.
Results from the latest employee survey indicate that:
· Only 40% of staff is satisfied with their work-life balance. The survey results indicate that female employees and those working with International clients are the most dis-satisfied.
· Only 50% of staff feel that their manager is supportive when they raise personal issues relating to work-life-balance.
· Only 40% of staff feels that the range of flexible work options is sufficient to meet their changing needs.
· Staff that have opted for flexible working feel that their career has plateaued.
The senior partners of the firm have expressed concern about the latest employee survey results, as well as other key HR metrics. As the Director of HR for UK, Europe and the Middle East, you have been tasked with identifying what changes the firm could make to its flexible working and work-life-balance policies and procedures to address the concerns of staff, whilst at the same time providing a high level of service to clients.
Case study scenario summary: The gender question (65% male, 35% female – workforce). In management probably even less (presume 70% to 30%). Connection to work-life balance? Women are more likely to opt for flexible working. Problem? Career progression for those opting for flexible working is poor. Focus of industry penalises female biology? Solution, women-friendly accommodation for maternity (of great importance is how to welcome women back). Other issues? Detrimental culture that is indicative of masculine narrative. Exaggerated masculinity results in poor retention, and attraction. Problem? Expensive. Loss of vital talent. Family-men, and family-women are worst affected by the issues, according stats [35-45].
Overall assessment: A lot to talk about. There’s enough issues to comprehensively cover three thousand words. Problem? May seem bland. Solution? Include comprehensive sources, and analysis. Rational assessment? Likely candidate.
