Inaugural Edition of the IWFI Work and Family Conference at the Civic Centre Lagos

The institute of Work and Family Integration (IWFI) in collaboration with Lagos Business School and Great Place to Work, on Wednesday the 21st of May, organized a conference on emerging global practices, with respect to work and family life balance. It was endorsed by the Chattered Institute of Personnel Management.

The occasion kicked off with the chairman, Engr. Charles Osezua OON KSG, opening address. Executives drawn from the academic, banking and corporate world facilitated the conference. The forum provided a platform for HR executives, employers of labor and employees to advance Family friendly policies within the work environment. In addition, corporate practices being practiced by different establishments both within and outside Nigeria were sited.

The main focus of the conference was to achieve impactful family responsible policies, work life balance and enhance productivity in the work place. To effectively deliver the conference objectives, an address titled, The Struggle between Work and family: The Global Perspective, was delivered by Professor Chantal Epie of the prestigious Lagos Business School, LBS. This was followed by another keynote address titled The Struggle between Work and Family: The Nigerian perspective, delivered by Mr. Michael Thomas, country manager of Great Place to Work.

The corporate reality focus of the conference was treated by means of topics such as Family friendly Policies, corporate practices in Nigeria, and Corporate and Family Success: Which Family Friendly Policies work in Nigeria? HR directors of Akintola Williams Deliotte, NSIA insurance and Fidelity Bank shared with the smart audience the family responsible policies which are operational in their companies and how it has enhanced productivity and organizational performance.

The family side of work was not left unattended to. Impact of work-family issues on employee and organizational performance, How to avoid being fired by Your Family, Work Life Balance: Is it achievable in the banks? Cultural aspects in Work-Life balance: the Human being in the worker., were all topical avenues explored to achieve the set goals. Some of the distinguished speakers were Dr. Christiane Spitzmueller, Associate Professor , University of Houston, Texas, Mr. Soni Irabor, MD/CEO, Inspiration 92.3 fm, Sir. Orji Udumezue, professional banker and finance Consultant and Diane Lemiueux.

The sections were chaired by notable personalities like Professor Albert Alos, Pan-Atlantic University and Mr. Femi Mokikan, HR Executive Director of 7UP Company and Sir. Chris Ogbechie of the Lagos Business School.

The Institute for Work Family Integration is an NGO concerned with providing solutions for the challenges occasioned by demographic shifts in the work place and technological changes in society for a fulfilled family life and enhanced productivity.

SEE PHOTOS

This event had Owel Linkso Group, CBO Capital, Zenith bank, Nest Oil, Coca Cola and PZ cussons as sponsors. Nigeria info, Inspiration 92.3fm, Jemima and tw magazine were media sponsors of this event.

OBSERVATIONS
1. Unrealistic work demands
2. Limited or no rest opportunities
3. Traffic situation
4. Absentee parenting
5. Work life balance is not a quick fix short term solution. It is a life- long aspiration.
6. Work life balance solutions cannot be the same across board.
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Comprehensive medical coverage for the family
2. Conducive work environment
3. Post-work life support
4. Incentives (End of year profit sharing)
5. Professionals are advised to get healthy hobbies that energizes your spirits
6. Bonding/recreational activities

by Nehizena Imade