General Physics (UK) Ltd

Case Study - Work-Life Balance

Durham County Cricket Club (DCCC)

Durham County Cricket Club's arrival in cricket's top flight during the 1990's led to a significant internal evolution within a compressed time frame. This rapid change was essential in order extend the club's commercial capabilities in order to supplement revenue from the core business of match days.

By 2001, DCCC had reached a key stage in its further development. The benefits of a purpose designed and built stadium, such as the County Ground at Chester-le-Street, were clear and the facility stood as a testimony to the club's achievements to date. However, as many at the club realised, the future does not lie in the past and the organisation had to ensure that it had incorporated current best practice into every aspect of its business processes.

Funding

The management of its internal administrative and catering staff was perhaps the most significant opportunity for further development. DCCC's Chief Executive Officer, David Harker, recognised this and sought ways in which improvements could be made without drawing heavily on the club's financial resource or diverting funds from budgeted requirements.

Funds for specific people-related projects were subsequently awarded to the club from the Work-Life Balance Challenge Fund to establish suitable best practice throughout the organisation in work-life balance initiatives. Following David Harker's visit to the Challenge Fund Fair in London, GP (UK) Ltd was selected as the consultancy to work in partnership with them.

Project Activities

During 2001 and 2002, GP (UK) Ltd provided expertise and practical support to Durham County Cricket Club staff, via a series of fortnightly five-hour workshops.

Amongst the activities within the project programme were:

• An employee attitudinal survey and feedback
• Workshop series on management skills
• Workshop on performance management processes
• Workshop on conducting positive appraisals and improving communication
• Accelerated team development workshop with key departments
• Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) exercise with individuals

Client Response

Speaking at GP's seminar on work-life balance, held at St James' Park earlier this year, David Harker paid tribute to the creative and imaginative way in which the GP consultants had provided solutions and training to help the evolution of the club's culture. The workshops, he said, were "Intensive and hard work, but achieved momentum". GP (UK) Ltd had "opened minds to alternative views, promoted team work by better understanding and, most importantly, started a process of change at the club".