As part of BBC Northern Ireland's Business Week, BBC Newsline's Tara Mills spoke to staff at one company that takes this issue very seriously.

Northbrook Technology, based in Lanyon Place in Belfast, has grown from a workforce of just six to 600 in the last two years.

Imelda McVeigh is the Managing Director's personal assistant. She's also mother of 16-month-old Adam. After Adam was born, the company suggested she reduce her hours to spend more time with him.

She now works Monday to Thursday and cannot believe the difference a day makes.

"The pressure's gone for all those things you try to do outside work. I don't have to worry about popping out into town at lunchtime and rushing around," she said.

Imelda McVeigh: "Four day week has made a big difference"

"I can come in here to work from Monday to Thursday. I do everything else on Friday."

Mrs McVeigh initially worked full-time when she came back from maternity leave.

"It was an extremely stressful time. Like a lot of new mums there's the whole conflict that goes on in your mind about should I be leaving my child and should I be working at all.

"I was just riddled with guilt and found it difficult to even get simple things like the washing done. I also wanted to out perform at work.

"I had that thing where I thought I could still do everything regardless and I just couldn't."

Other benefits

It is not just parents who benefit at Northbook.

All staff receive free gym membership and one employee who takes full advantage of it is Michael Riddell. He's an administrative assistant and keen sportsman.

Michael Riddell takes advantage of gym benefits

"I come from a sporting background and like to take part in triathlons at club level.

"It's quite difficult time-wise so it means I can go to the gym in the mornings or take an extended lunchbreak.

"That way I can combine my training with my working day and still have time to socialise in the evenings."

Mr Riddell believes he's not the only one gaining from this arrangement.

"I think Northbrook gains a fresher employee and it enables you to work a lot better if you take a stress break away from the office."

Combating absenteeism

Northbrook's Managing Director Bro McFerran agreed.

Northbrook MD Bro McFerran: "Happy workforce is a reliable one"

"What you get back is lower absenteeism. You don't get people taking sick days and you get more commitment from your employees.

"You certainly get a big return from your investment as far as this is concerned and I wouldn't have any hesitation in recommending it to other employers."

But some bosses do not see the benefits and many workers face opposition to their requests to reduce their hours.

Linda Hutchinson works for Business in the Community Northern Ireland. It is her job to encourage employers to relax work patterns.

She points out that from next April the law is set to change.

From then employers of parents with young children must give serious consideration to their requests to work part-time.

"I think bosses need to listen to other employers. Both sides gain and what we want is a win win situation for everyone."