Flexible Work PracticesAuthor: Kristoff BarnowiczManage Projects and Workspace

The Rat RaceHaving spent some time working and living in the United States, I’ve come to notice the long and hard work ethic they instil, very different to the laid back lifestyle we enjoy here in Australia. Long hours, short breaks and holidays can lead to burn-out and a poor sense of wellbeing and lifestyle. Not only can loved ones and children be neglected but health, mind and spirit can be demoralized. We lose a sense of passion in the workplace and therefore creating a negative environment and lack of creative productivity. We can try and improve a happier and healthier lifestyle by implementing Flexible Work Practices

Flexible Working HoursComing to an agreement for suitable working hours is extremely important. Keeping a balance between company needs and the needs of staff must be considered and agreed upon.ScheduleAccommodating the needs of staff and communicating essential time off factors and availability in regards to personal life but also fulfilling the needs of the company.Accrued timeRewarding staff with bonus time off and banked hours from extra time spent in the office and/or personal days needed ie sick/personal time off. Staggered start and finish times Longer days/ fewer days per week

Schedule

Accrued time

Staggered start and finish times

Longer days/ fewer days per week

Part Time WorkPart Time work allows freedom and flexibility where fulltime wouldn’t allow. Families and students can benefit from this type of scheduling also individuals working more than one job at a time.Very beneficial for businesses also, it can:Reduce TurnoverAllow flexibility to business needs and demandsIncrease retention in skilled and older staff

Reduce Turnover

Allow flexibility to business needs and demands

Increase retention in skilled and older staff

Job SharingJob Sharing , similar to part time employees, allow flexibility and can serve purposes beneficial to both employee and employer.Covering Breaks and allowing business to continue un-hinderedAllow overtime to occur without overtime costsWider range of skills to one positionOn job trainingReduce Turnover

Covering Breaks and allowing business to continue un-hindered

Allow overtime to occur without overtime costs

Wider range of skills to one position

On job training

Reduce Turnover

Working From HomeMy personal favorite as I hope it’s me one day!. A great option especially in Design and Multimedia, being able to stay home and continue work while raising a family and having parental presence or pressing family needs, I believe is important. It allows:Saving space within the officeNo commute time to and from workFocused productivity ( No distractions)Retaining valued and skilled employers whom are otherwise ready to leave the company

Saving space within the office

No commute time to and from work

Focused productivity ( No distractions)

Retaining valued and skilled employers whom are otherwise ready to leave the company