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Flexibility of working is a big differentiator at IBM. IBM offers a superb work environment; with 60% of UK workers eligible to work from home, 73% of managers manage remote employees. In a staff survey, 73% said they enjoyed the work-life balance that IBM gives them. Flexible working options include job-sharing, term-time working, compressed hours and sabbaticals, enabling employees to make changes to their working pattern when and how they need to. Flexibility at IBM goes far beyond flexible working options. It means that within business requirements, IBM employees can choose where, when and how they want to work. Through flexibility and IBM technology, IBM employees can achieve work-life integration and great business results

In 2007 IBM introduced the Emergency Care Initiative to the UK workforce. This gives all employees assistance towards their emergency child or elder care needs. It is accessed through IBM’s Worklife Essentials website, and run in cooperation with an external provider, who find employees reliable, high-quality emergency care for a child, an elder, or any adult dependent at a few hours’ notice. The emergency Service provides access to nurseries, childminders, nannies, and home carers. IBM contributes to the cost of emergency dependant care. And the IBM emergency dependant care means IBM supports employees even on the days when their personal life isn’t going quite to plan….so that their professional life will.

The Employee Assistance Programme offers confidential, independent, high quality professional advice and support for all IBM employees and their family members - be it for personal, family or work related issues. The service, run independently from IBM, is at no cost to the employee and runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. It provides fully qualified counsellors and lawyers available over the phone, as well as the option for face to face counselling and support for critical incidents should it be required.

The IBM Club is a chance for all employees, retirees and their families to get involved and connect with colleagues outside the working environment. There are a large number of clubs covering almost all UK locations, and all IBM employees – including mobile workers who may not be based in one location – are invited to join in. Clubs organise all sorts of different activities, and make available discounts to entertainment, leisure and recreational venues and events. All locations are encouraged to hold at least one large family type event each year. Other events organised can vary in size and scope, but high on the list are: bowling nights, book clubs, music groups, yoga classes, gourmet clubs, day trips to local attractions, IBM-exclusive events such as ice skating, movies, amusement parks, as well as a block of tickets for local theatre, concerts and sporting events. Sports leagues, including football, softball and golf are also popular.