Since relaunching Bespoke Working in March 2008, 122 staff have made a request to work flexibly and 88% of these have been approved. Out of those 122 requests, 13 have been from men.
Flexibility is supported from the top down. At a senior level, 17% work flexibly. Within the partnership, 5% of partners have a flexible-working arrangement.
The firm increased financial benefits for those on maternity by offering an enhanced payment scheme. This benefit is also available to those adopting a child. Since increasing its enhanced scheme in April 2007, 86 employees have taken up the enhanced maternity/adoption benefit. In the past two years 87% of maternity leavers have returned to work. The firm also sends bouquets of flowers to new parents following births.
Dads can take two weeks' leave on the birth of their child on full pay. The partner (male or female) of an individual who adopts, or the member of a couple adopting jointly who does not take adoption leave, may also take two weeks' paid paternity leave.
Childcare vouchers are available via salary sacrifice and 5% of employees take part. Of these 29% are men and 71% women. Each member has a personal e-voucher account giving employees the control to pay their carer when they want.
All employees with two years' service can request a career break of between one and three years with the possibility of returning to the firm and having continuous employment rights.
Wragge & Co's director of HR, Linda Bellis, explains: "To be recognised as a leading employer for working families is a great honour.
"Wragge & Co aims to create a balanced work-life environment for our people which is supported by our bespoke working policy and various family-friendly benefits.
"We're delighted we've been named as one of the UK's best family-friendly employers and will continue to support our employees in any way we can."
more information on the Top Employers for working families list.
