Diversity Project's SMART Working workstream: Flexible working must be seen as 'reason neutral'

Industry urged to improve workers' work-life balance

The asset management industry must make giving employees the right to flexible working hours "reason neutral", according to Artemis's Rosanna Burcheri and Gareth Miller, who said flexibility should be built into every job role "as standard" rather than be offered retrospectively.

Fund manager Burcheri and head of change Miller are both members of The Diversity Project's SMART Working workstream, which promotes flexible working practices across the investment and savings industry. Last year, the workstream teamed up with consultancy Timewise to create a flexible working guide which led to AXA Investment Managers, Aon, Fidelity International and St. James's Place entering the programme. From here, SMART Working created a manifesto earmarking five calls to action for the industry: • For leaders to model inclusive cultures; • For flexibility to be designed i...