NOTES FOR TRAINERS

These films are intended for a group training context.

Each set addresses the issue of work/life balance from opposing viewpoints.

Viewing the films

We recommend that, after a short general explanation of the ground covered, the films are shown in their pairs. Fleximum and Taking Up The Slack go together (in any order) as do To The Max and Daddy’s Home. After both films in a set have been shown, a discussion of the issues raised can be facilitated.

The situations covered are currently extremely contentious – working parents versus working non-parents, New Men versus traditional dads. Each side’s viewpoint is championed in one film of the pair. The aim is for an honest and productive debate to take place. That debate is likely to be most effective after strongly held views have had air-time and delegates have also been made aware of the other side of the argument. Participants are more likely to consider another’s point of view when they feel that their own position has been explored and understood.

Discussion

Issues raised in the films include:

• the relative importance of work and home life in the 21st century
• the problems and opportunities created by flexible and part-time working
• the impact of employment legislation, both national and European, which currently assists parents more than other carers
• working in teams – fair and intelligent allocation of workload
• reward and recognition
• time management – increasing productivity, not just hours worked
• management and leadership – enthusing your team, ensuring all the team know what is expected of them

Preparation

(*The scripts, available at no extra charge, may be useful for planning the discussion for trainers who are using VHS or DVD-R.)

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