A Sussex firm has been held up as one of the country's best examples of life/work balance good practice.

Karen Silk, chief executive of Capital International HR Solutions, said getting the balance right was good for the firm and good for staff.

The Burgess Hill firm was host to BBC2's Working Lunch when the former Sussex Businesswoman of the Year explained to presenter Rob Pittam the benefits of good staff relations.

She said the company had introduced flexible working practices and other measures to improve its service to clients.

Staff at the information technology recruitment firm can join pilates sessions before work or meet colleagues for after work activities.

Ms Silk said: "Long before the work/life balance issue became a fashionable cause, we were implementing practices that are even now considered radical.

"Maternity leave, paternity leave, adoption leave, time off at times of family crises are the norm.

"We expect the best from the people who work here and, to get the best, we need to make sure morale is high and the atmosphere is good. As a result, we have a sickness rate 50 per cent below the national average and staff turn-over that is the envy of most businesses."

Earlier this year, Capital re-structured into three specialist divisions, enabling it to offer a high-quality service to telecom and defence clients.

It also expanded in a new direction with the development of Capital Executive, a specialist executive recruitment service.

In the process of the transition, the Capital was able to get back to the principles on which the company was founded.

Sales director Mike Nunn is committed to ensuring that, in return for hard work and commitment, the company offers an above-average flexibility in employment practice.

He said: "We were the smallest company ever to utilise specialist software to manage flexi-time and this has been welcomed by our administration staff. We work on a basis of mutual trust and it works well for Capital."

The success of the scheme was proved earlier this year when Mr Nunn beat off national competition to win the sales leader of the year award at The National Sales Awards.

Ms Silk is recognised for her innovative management style and her commitment to meeting the challenges of work/life balance.

She said: "My philosophy is simple. If it is possible to offer flexible working practices that make our employees' lives easier without detracting from the level of service we deliver to our clients, then surely that is just plain common sense."

Capital encourages employees to enter charity sporting events, both as participants and supplying moral support and practical back up.

This takes place out of hours and is enthusiastically supported by the employees.

In return for flexibile working practices, Capital expects top performance and commitment from staff and rarely has the trust been abused.

In recognition of Capital's approach to employment practices the Department of Trade and Industry awarded a grant for research into working practices.

The results will be made public later this year.

Ms Silk said: "Experience has taught us any sector will go through a periodic down turn. As in nature, the quality providers will survive and this is a time for self-assessment and to grasp new business opportunities.

"Our re-branding is an example of our approach to diversification and our success is assured by the skill of our staff and management team and our commitment to the delivery of a quality service."