Public and Commercial Services Union

Achieving good work life balance is easier if you know what options you have, can consider how they could help and have time to put them in place before the crisis hits.

This isn t always possible, but your local PCS rep can help you plan ahead or help you with procedures in an emergency.

Don't let the pressure build up

Try to prevent the pressure building up by taking the breaks and leave that you are entitled to.

Your employer must comply with the statutory entitlements and will probably offer contractual rights that are better. Make sure you know about:

• Your annual leave entitlement
• Leave entitlements for family and emergency matters
• Learning and study leave
• What working patterns are available at your workplace
• Who is entitled to request flexible working (many employers allow all staff to do this not just parents and carers)
• What support you can get with your caring responsibilities.

Think about how an alternative working pattern would affect your ability to do your work, your health, your other commitments, your income and your career.

Talk to your PCS rep about your short, medium and long term options. If you aren t sure about what would be best, see if your manager will allow you to change your working pattern for a trial period.

Check out the PCS helplines page to find out where you can get support.