WORK-LIFE BALANCE, PRODUCTIVITY & CLIENT RELATIONSHIP POLICY

Introduction:

At McGarry Consulting we value the well-being and work-life balance of our principal; employees; associates and partners. Recognising that a healthy and balanced professional life contributes to overall job satisfaction and productivity. In addition, it is also sensible risk management, with burnout rated the top health risk for businesses in 2024.

The Northern Ireland (NI) Executive and UK Government desire to improve productivity, business investment and skills development  - especially amongst small businesses. This requires small businesses to invest in, protect and prioritise their human resources. Reinforcing the need for small businesses to be able to plan ahead effectively to ensure a healthy work-life balance and to facilitate much-needed investment in skills, innovation and growth.

Further, the rise in mental health, falling physical health rates and the desire for improved well-being, economic activity, and quality of life (the heart of NI’s programme for Government) necessitate a healthy work-life balance.

This policy outlines our commitment to fostering a positive productive work environment and introduces specific measures to support a healthy work-life balance.

1. Four-Day Work Week:

To promote a healthy work-life balance, McGarry Consulting operate a four-day work week (Monday to Thursday). This schedule allows for client commitments to be met with time set aside for skills development & innovation. Fridays can only be set aside for clients, with four-weeks’ written notice and with the express unpressurised and freely given consent of McGarry Consulting team members being provided in advance.

2. Flexible Working Arrangements:

We appreciate that clients are people, and can have holidays, health appointments, dependence days, sick days and family commitments that can take precedence. We will work with work you as far as reasonably possible in this respect and appreciate your willingness to do so in return.

McGarry Consulting may occasionally work outside 9-5pm, due to work-life balance and may send emails or information outside of this time. We do not expect a response (where applicable) to the next working day unless this has otherwise been expressly agreed in advance between the two parties. If you don’t want to receive communication outside 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, please let us know in writing (separate to any wider correspondence); and we will do our best to meet all reasonable requests.

3. Turnaround Time for Reports & Request for Unsociable Hours:

Acknowledging the importance of timely client deliverables, and in line with NI public sector targets, McGarry Consulting targets a 15-working day (excluding annual leave) turnaround for issuing updated reports, provided that all necessary information has been received in advance and in the correct format. This policy ensures that our clients receive high-quality outputs within a reasonable timeframe, that reports are based on the required, and most accurate up-to-date information. Whilst work-life balance is retained.

The 15-working day operates only, when any and all outstanding project invoices (per section 4, below) have been paid. Where a 15-working day target cannot be met, we will notify you as soon as possible. To mitigate that risk, we strongly encourage an agreed project workplan at the outset with agreed dates for information exchange, draft reports and formal centralised feedback.

In rare circumstances, McGarry Consulting may, at their own discretion, agree to a shorter time period (with a minimum 6 working days), but this would require express agreement in advance by the client to pay unsociable hours rate, which is double the normal rate. Further, any and all unpaid project-related invoices must also be paid in full; and all information received in the correct format before any unsociable hours will be worked and report(s) produced.

4. Invoice and Payment Policy:

In line with the UK Government’s Prompt Payment Policy (issued on 20-Nov-2015 and updated on 11-Jan-2024); which expects government to pay all valid and undisputed invoices within 30 days and 90% within 5 days; McGarry Consulting expect all invoices to be paid within 30 days (with most before then). Beyond 30 days, interest may be charged at 5% above the Bank of England base rate, plus reasonable fees including admin, agency and/or legal fees.

In line with the UK Government’s policy and commitments to small business, McGarry Consulting commits to a proactive approach regarding outstanding invoices to protect the financial security, mental & physical health, and work-life balance of principal, employees, and associates. All invoices that remain unpaid for more than 30 days will be followed up promptly. Client projects may be put on hold until outstanding invoices are settled in full. This approach ensures that our team, and other clients, are not burdened by delayed payments, contributing to a more stable, equitable and stress-free work environment.

No final reports will be issued, whilst there are any outstanding invoices for draft reports.

5. Continuous Improvement:

McGarry Consulting is committed to regularly reviewing and improving our work-life balance and productivity policies. We encourage open communication with principals, employees, associates, and clients to gather feedback and suggestions, ensuring that our policies remain relevant and supportive of their needs.

By implementing these measures, McGarry Consulting aims to create a positive and supportive work environment that values the well-being of our team while maintaining a high standard of client service, and productivity.