More employers should adopt flexible work practices says Families Commission

The Families Commission congratulates BDO Spicers Taranaki Ltd, winner of the Employment Opportunities (EEO) Life Trust Workplace Work and Life Balance Awards and NZ Ski which won the supreme award.

The awards, now in their 12th year, celebrate organisations that actively help their employees achieve balance between their work and family commitments and activities - an approach that EEO research has shown aids staff recruitment, retention and the bottom line. All entrants recognised the family needs of staff in their organisations. In responding to these needs, employers created a committed loyal and engaged workforce.

“With a record number of applicants in the 2009 EEO Trust Work and Life Awards, the competition was extremely steep,” says Families Commission Chief Executive Paul Curry.

“While the Commission’s own entry was not a winner, it is great news that increasing numbers of employers are recognising the value of helping their employees achieve a good work-life balance through the imposition of flexible working programmes,” Mr Curry says.

“Supporting staff to achieve work-life balance saves employers money, creates a more productive workplace, leads to higher productively and improves staff retention levels. The EEO’s research points to this conclusion, as does our own experience of flexible workplace practices at the Commission.”

Mr Curry said the Commission entered the awards as part of its role of promoting and modelling family-friendly flexible work practices.

“As an advocate for families and work-life balance, the Families Commission takes a leadership role by modelling good employment practices. We have consistently promoted the position that catering for the wellbeing of families in the workplace does not have to be at the expense of productivity.”

Mr Curry says the Families Commission’s experience shows that flexible work practices produce dividends for employers. The Commission’s staff sick leave is 58 percent lower than the public sector average, while staff turnover is at 18 percent compared to the average of 20 percent.

“By providing flexible working arrangements, we are able to support staff with families to find a more productive work-life balance. Staff can connect to their work computers from home, and children are welcome on site. We provide a supervised activities programme for the children of staff for three days a week during school holidays, which allows parents to work while meeting family commitments. While families benefit, so too does the Families Commission, with work projects continuing unbroken throughout the holiday period.

“When you work with your employees to create flexible work arrangements, you get a motivated workforce with high quality deliverables and reduced costs. It’s good for staff, and it’s good for business.”

Notes:

• The Commission employs 39 staff in its main Wellington office and smaller Auckland office. The majority are women and nearly a quarter work part-time.
• This is the first time the Families Commission have entered the EEO awards
• EEO Research www.eeotrust.org.nz/research/index.cfm