Work-life balance policies, practices and discourse and public sector cuts

Organizational pressures during the current economic crisis, particularly austerity measures in the public sector, may pose threats to employer support for work-life balance (WLB). Alternatively, established flexible working arrangements may be used to manage austerity cuts. This qualitative study contributes to debates about institutional and economic factors influencing the adoption of WLB initiatives and extends the literature beyond the usual focus on formal policies, by additionally exploring associated discourses and practices. Twenty-six senior HR professionals from a range of public sector organizations were interviewed about the resilience and potential benefits of WLB initiatives. Thematic analysis of interview data identified an evolving WLB discourse, with a shifting emphasis from fairness-led and mutual flexibility to a more explicit employer, efficiency-led focus. Traditional policies were thought to be embedded within organizations but concerns were expressed about management resistance and long-term sustainability. When examining how WLB initiatives can help in managing cuts, participants discussed how traditional WLB policies and evolved practices can a) enhance efficiency and b) help to avoid redundancies. However there was some ambivalence regarding these benefits, as savings mainly applied to employer-led evolved practices and some of these practices may threaten employee well-being and service provision.