Many well known organisations, such as IBM, 3M, Microsoft and the NSW Government, have realised times are changing and that their employees are their most valuable asset. This is why these organisations and many more are including work/life balance in their long term business strategy. These workplace policies assist employees in combining their personal, family and work responsibilities.
The City of Gosnells Work Life Balance Scheme addresses the needs of employees in a world of increasing demand and diminishing timelines.
Council’s Chief Executive Officer, Stuart Jardine, said organisations should aim to reflect the present and the future, not the past.
“Building a culture of work/life balance can make a real difference; a more flexible, competitive and respected organisation, and a better quality of life for those who work at the city,” he said. “Work/life balance does not have to mean a reduction in productivity or all employees working different hours. It can be as much about improved communication,understanding, clearer job roles and job descriptions and better training and development, as changes in actual working patterns.”
Management and staff acknowledge that many employees may have responsibilities for older or disabled relatives or young or school aged children. Good communication between management, supervisors and employees together with commitment to teamwork ensures that all work is covered.
Other components of the initiative include:
- flexible work arrangements
- opportunities for part time work
- access to job share
- carer’s leave
- extended flexible work arrangements
- information on childcare facilities
- information on elder care facilities
- consideration for employees as carers of people with disabilities
- employee assistance program
- work/life programs for men
- flexible leave options
- reduced working hours/ phased in retirement
- phase back to work for new mothers
- access to phones for emergency use
- leave without pay for cultural purposes
health and fitness.
The City recognises that by accepting employees’ need for life outside of work whether for sport, recreation, relaxation or to spend more time with families, there will be benefits all round for the employee, the City and customers.
For further information contact City of Gosnells Human Resources branch on (08) 9391 3214.
