Case Study: Flexible Working - Bella di Notte

Bella di Notte is a mail order thermal lingerie business based in North Yorkshire, with women making up 80% of the total workforce (28). Many of the employees are mothers with young children. The company is expanding and has introduced a range of initiatives to attract mothers wanting to return to work.

The company offers quality part-time jobs and flexible hours. They have developed a Flexible Hours Contract, to encourage women with children back to work. The individually drawn up contract allows mothers to work the hours that best suit them. Both sides have needed to be flexible to make the scheme work. By sharing company information staff understand when extra help is needed and why They are willing to work extra hours in the busy pre-Christmas rush knowing they will get the time off when they need it. For example, the customer service department is open from 9am – 6pm so everyone cannot leave at 3pm. In return for flexible contractual terms, working mums agree to cover 3pm – 6pm one or two days a week.

Since the contract was introduced 4 new staff have been attracted to the company, 2 of whom were not working before as they could not find a job with school friendly hours. 2 existing employees have moved to the scheme, making a total of 6 out of 23 employees using the Flexible Hours Contract.

Staff turnover has fallen to zero since the introduction of the scheme and staff loyalty has increased. The scheme has also made it easier to attract new staff, saving money on advertising.

The benefits of the flexible hours contract include:

• Hours are agreed to fit in with school pick up and drop off times
• During busy periods extra hours worked can be banked and taken during school holidays
• Unpaid leave is granted during school holidays
• During school holidays reduced hours are worked
• Staff cover is planned 9 months in advance