The chosen scenario for this assessment is: Work-Life Balance and Employee Well-being at Apex Construction Ltd Background: Apex Construction Ltd, base
| Work-Life Balance and Employee Well-being |
You are required to complete a 2500 +/- 10% word report based on a real-life case study or scenario.
Summative Assessment
The chosen scenario for this assessment is: Work-Life Balance and Employee Well-being at Apex Construction Ltd
Background:
Apex Construction Ltd, based in Leeds, is a growing construction company with a workforce of 500 employees. The company is known for its ambitious projects and fast-paced work environment. The HR department has focused on recruitment and retention, but there are growing concerns about employee well-being.
Current Situation:
Employees at Apex Construction have reported high levels of stress and burnout, attributed to long working hours and the pressure to meet tight deadlines. The company’s work-life balance policies are seen as inadequate, and there is a lack of support for mental health and well-being.
Employee Experiences:
- John, a project manager working on one of the company’s largest projects, has been working 60-hour weeks for the past six months.“I’ve missed family events and hardly see my kids. The deadlines are so tight that taking time off feels impossible. I’ve raised this with my manager, but the response was, ‘That’s just the nature of the job.’ It’s taking a toll on my health.”
- Sophie, a junior architect, who joined the company two years ago, has struggled with the lack of mental health support.“The stress is overwhelming, but there’s no one to talk to about it. I’ve seen colleagues break down under pressure, and the company’s response is usually to push them harder until they either quit or somehow cope. It’s not sustainable.”
- Emma, an HR manager, has been advocating for better work-life balance policies.“I’ve seen how the long hours and constant pressure affect employees, but getting senior management to prioritize well-being over productivity is a challenge. There’s a perception that slowing down means falling behind, and it’s hard to change that mindset.”
Challenges:
The poor work-life balance has contributed to a decline in employee well-being, resulting in higher absenteeism, reduced productivity, and further disengagement. The lack of support for well-being has also harmed Apex’s reputation as an employer, making it harder to attract new talent.
Data Table: Work-Life Balance and Well-being Metrics
| Year | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Employees | 450 | 470 | 480 | 490 | 500 |
| Average Weekly Hours | 50 | 52 | 54 | 55 | 60 |
| Reported Burnout Cases | 5 | 8 | 12 | 15 | 20 |
| Absenteeism Rate (%) | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 15 |
| Employee Turnover Rate (%) | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 |
| Project Delays (%) | 12 | 15 | 18 | 20 | 25 |
For the chosen case study, you will write a report that contains the following:
- Evaluate the contribution of human resource (HR) management to the business in the case study.
- Critically analyze the role HR professionals and the overall HR function have in contributing to sustained organizational performance.
- Provide recommendations that can produce effective solutions for change. Recommendations will need to show awareness of managing HRM policies and practices that will be professional, ethical, and fair
