Our partner Social Services Europe has recently published a new report on improving work-life balance through enabling social services.
The research looks into the crucial role of social services in improving work-life balance in Europe. In particular, it covers two issues: assess promising practices of social service provision and their Work-Life Balance (WLB) impact and provide an in-depth analysis of the environment which enables the development of such services. The Study would also provide guidance and recommendations to policy-makers and social service providers.
The European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR) contains a principle (principle 9) aimed at improving work-life balance of parents and people with caring responsibilities. One of the deliverables of the EPSR is the ‘New Start’ initiative aimed at addressing the work-life balance challenges faced by working parents and carers. The initiative, launched on 26 April 2017, entails a mixture of legislative and non-legislative measures aimed at modernising the regulation of this area. The Work-Life Balance Package proposed will help working parents and carers by not obliging them to make a choice between their family lives and their professional careers. The proposal for a directive sets new or higher minimum standards to create more convergence between EU Member States, by preserving and extending existing rights. It will improve current EU law on paternity, parental and carers’ leave as well as flexible working arrangements. In addition, the European Union will support Member States in adopting measures to ensure accessible, affordable and quality formal care services.
To know more about improving work-life balance, check our partner’s latest publication.