There is need for a more detailed understanding of employers' motivations for offering flexible working and the outcomes of different policies and practices for both employers and employees. This report draws on data from a large-scale national survey of workplace employee relations (WERS) to fill these gaps in our knowledge and understanding. It is the first time these issues have been explored through analysis of such a large and representative sample of companies and employees.

With the increase in mothers' employment both the government and many employers are promoting flexible working policies to improve work-life 'balance'. This report considers the effects of these changes on the lives of both women and men. It examines three employment sectors in detail - banking, grocery retail and local authorities.Drawing on the views of employees themselves, the report:· assesses the impact of employment breaks and part-time working on the careers of women and men;· evaluates the effectiveness of work-life balance policies;· explores organisational cultures and systems and how they affect the implementation of these policies;· discusses attitudes to career development and its effects on family life.

There is need for a more detailed understanding of employers' motivations for offering flexible working and the outcomes of different policies and practices for both employers and employees. This report draws on data from a large-scale national survey of workplace employee relations (WERS) to fill these gaps in our knowledge and understanding. It is the first time these issues have been explored through analysis of such a large and representative sample of companies and employees.

With the increase in mothers' employment both the government and many employers are promoting flexible working policies to improve work-life 'balance'. This report considers the effects of these changes on the lives of both women and men. It examines three employment sectors in detail - banking, grocery retail and local authorities.Drawing on the views of employees themselves, the report:· assesses the impact of employment breaks and part-time working on the careers of women and men;· evaluates the effectiveness of work-life balance policies;· explores organisational cultures and systems and how they affect the implementation of these policies;· discusses attitudes to career development and its effects on family life.