Glen Eira City Council takes a holistic approach to employee health, encompassing the social, physical and mental aspects of wellbeing and how work affects all three.
“We believe having the right attitude is a reward for all,” said Manager Human Resources Betsie Young. “People who have a dual focus on work and family are more sustainable in the workplace. But we all know that having a young family can mean sleepless nights and juggling babysitting schedules. As an employer, it is our responsibility – and it is in everyone’s best interests – to make sure people are supported at work.
“Council has great policies to help develop work/life balance ranging from parental leave, the option to work part time and job sharing arrangements. These policies are supported by regular on the ground activities like health and wellbeing seminars and our very active social club.”
Some employees at Glen Eira balance any late nights they are required to work with late starts and others are able to work some of their hours from home. Flexible work arrangements are seen as increasingly important for the wellbeing of staff and Council’s ability to attract and keep good employees.
This approach is supported by recent research (Retaining Women in the Workforce, Management Survey December 2008, AIM Victoria and Tasmania) which shows that flexible working arrangements are the outstanding contributor to encouraging and allowing women to remain in the workforce through family and child care commitments.
“We try to help people find the right balance between parenting and their careers,” Betsie Young said. “Council offers maternity leave, part time work for carers and facilities for new mums who are breastfeeding their babies.”
Social activities make any workplace a more enjoyable and rewarding environment in which to spend time. The Glen Eira Social Club meets every second week to plan and schedule staff events – ranging from regular bowling days and ‘Guess Who?’ baby photo displays, to the annual Hackers Classic Golf Challenge. The Social Club has even given birth to a ‘sub club’, known as the Rev Heads – whose members head out to Calder Park every four months for a drag racing session on the weekend.
Mental and physical health are equally important and Glen Eira City Council has adopted a workplace immunisation policy as part of its commitment to minimising risk for employees, with an ongoing free immunisation program. Extending beyond the purely physical, to encompass issues that may concern employees, the Health and Wellbeing Program offers information sessions on topics ranging from financial planning for retirement, to women’s and men’s health and advice on diet and exercise.
