Even up
Many people struggle to balance their work and family commitments and we support changes that will make life easier for families.
This year a major part our work programme will concentrate on work-life balance issues. We have been calling for improvements to parental leave provisions and advising government on ways to provide better quality childcare options for children outside of school hours. We have also been carrying out research on how to encourage more people to take up quality flexible work arrangements that support their family life.
Members of our online feedback panel The Couch came up with some ideas that could help you balance your life.
Tips and strategies for achieving work-life balance
Paid parental leave
We are keen to improve the choices offered to parents through better parental leave provisions. We think that current arrangements don't adequately meet the needs of working families with new babies.
We have completed a study on parental leave provisions in New Zealand and overseas.
It's About Time: Towards a Parental Leave Policy That Gives New Zealand Families Real Choice (August 2007)
Download report (558 KB)
Download summary in English and Māori (621 KB)
Out of school services
In 2006 we talked with families about their childcare needs before and after school and in the school holidays. Our report When School's Out: Conversations with Parents, Carers and Children About Out of School Services is based on this consultation. The Families Commission recommends a significant increase in government investment in out of school services so that all families with school-aged children can have access to affordable, quality services.
Out of school services report and background information
Flexible work
Access to quality employment with flexible work arrangements that support family responsibilities is becoming an increasingly important issue. Paid work occupies more time than it used to for many families. Quality flexible work allows people to make changes to the hours and times they work, and where they work. It allows employees to organise their careers and to move in and out of work.
We will be doing research to improve our understanding of what might improve access to, and take-up of, quality flexible work arrangements, to help support family wellbeing.