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Finding that vital balance between work and family

Many Councils are introducing more flexible work practices specifically designed to assist their employees in balancing their work and family responsibilities. In Queensland, Maroochy Shire Council’s commitment to work and family balance is delivering numerous benefits to individual staff members, their work teams and the organisation.

Various provisions of Council’s Work and Life Program for employees with family responsibilities also have a wider application to benefit employees managing other commitments and responsibilities.

“What we do at work affects our families and personal life, and what happens in our families and personal lives affects the workplace,” said Brendan Hogan, Team Leader Organisational Change and Learning Branch. “Consequently, we recognise that our business success depends, to a large degree, on how well our employees balance these dual responsibilities.”

These policies and practices benefit both employees and Council by;

• developing a partnership of mutual support and honesty between employees and the Council
• improving employee morale, commitment, motivation and efficiency
• increasing ability to retain experienced, skilled employees, thereby maximising recruitment and training investments and reducing staff turnover
• providing positive solutions to lateness, absenteeism, stress and distraction that are related to personal issues or workplace commitments
• meeting legislative requirements of the Equal Opportunity in Public Employment Act 1992, Queensland Anti- Discrimination Act 1991 and Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995
• delivering fair and equitable treatment in the workplace
• improving health and safety records
• enhancing Council’s image as a preferred employer.

Maroochy Shire Council has undertaken a strategic approach to transform the culture of the organisation through adopting a learning organisation model focusing on leadership, a great place to work, partnerships with customers and the community, and business success.

Its Work and Life initiative has been a key element in this change process. It has made a significant contribution in enhancing employee wellbeing in the workplace, challenged existing mindsets and provided a platform for flexible managerial practice, delivered efficiencies associated with alternative work practices, and supported opportunities for career path development and service continuity.

Specific provisions include;

• flexible leave arrangements – leave and long service leave at half pay, leave without pay and study leave
• flexible working arrangements – home based working arrangements, guaranteed return to work part time following parental leave, job share, flexible hours and time in lieu
• supportive policies and practices – Balance Your Career program, Indoor/ Outdoor Secondment Program, Active Retirement Program, personal development training programs, staff exchange opportunities and nine day fortnight.

For further information contact Brendan Hogan on (07) 5441 8369.

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