A flexible workplace provides a platform for employers to work with employees to vary working arrangements such as hours of work, work location and the way work is organised and performed to meet the goals of the organisation and the individual.

Increasingly, it is not just the stereotypical ‘working parent’ demanding flexibility to meet basic work and family commitments; employees of all ages seek improved flexible working conditions. Retiring baby boomers wish to ‘wind down’ or ‘phase out’ of the workforce and Generation Y, the future workforce, vote work/life balance as a ‘must have’.

An organisation without workplace flexibility risks losing their talent pool as increasingly, candidates prefer to work for a company which allows them to effectively manage their work around lifestyle needs and wants.

Some of the benefits of introducing flexible work practices include:
 

A competitive edge in recruiting and enhanced corporate image
 
Improved ability to retain skilled employees and increase return on training investments
 
Improved productivity and increased profit
 
Reduced absenteeism and employee turnoveR

Reduced recruitment costs
Reduced stress levels
Improved morale and commitment

Potential for improved occupational health and safety records.

 
More information: Consulting Services, Workshops and Toolkits
TAKE OUR TEST: How family friendly is your organisation?
Test your organisation’s flexible and family friendly policies.
Winning family friendly employers – who are they? ( DEWR Work and Family Awards)
The National Work and Family Awards have been run as an Australian Government and business partnership since 1992. The Awards recognise private, public and community sector organisations with outstanding flexible working arrangements that meet the needs of the business and its employees.
Flexible Work Proposal Toolkit
The Flexible Work Proposal Toolkit is a simple and convenient business case tool that enables employees and managers to research, negotiate and implement a flexible work arrangement.
Working Parents Toolkit
This Toolkit is designed to give new and expectant parents relevant and practical information about managing work and parenthood. A must for organisations who want to retain valued, skilled and experienced employees. Provides answers to managing pregnancy at work; preparing for parental leave and to return to work; staying in touch while on leave; negotiating flexibility and tackling the challenges presented by childcare and work / life balance.
The Future Flexible Workplace by Kate Sykes (CareerMums) and Emma Walsh ( Mums@Work), REX Inflight magazine, Jan 2008
Attract the workforce of the future with flexibility options that will make your business more competitive.
Flexibility - Common objections and why it is good for business
Q & A for employers: Are companies making enough effort to offer flexible arrangements?
What are the main objections of companies to flexible arrangements?
Creating family friendly workplaces - better balance, better business (A small business guide)
This booklet shares the experiences of real women who are dealing with flexibility issues in their own small businesses, & shows you how you too can improve work family balance in your business without huge investments of time and money.

Creating a flexible and family friendly workplace – Fact Sheets & Recommended Reading

20 cheap and easy family friendly ideas

Family Friendly and Flexible Work Practices Fact Sheets
Family friendly and flexible work practices are of benefit to all employees in the workplace, including those with family and caring responsibilities, mature age workers and people with disabilities.  These fact sheets provide information on the importance of a flexible workplace and assistance in developing and implementing supportive workplace policies.

Everything you need to know about flexible work practices
Australian Government Jobwise website
This guide provides a range of flexible working arrangements that can be introduced by employers of mature age workers; and tips for their implementation and management.

Flexible Work practices - Policies and Guidelines
NSW Government
This publication sets out the NSW Government policy on flexible work arrangements within NSW government employment.

Working Your Way Through Pregnancy
Information provided by the Federal Government - Everything you need to know about discrimination and pregnancy, parental leave, returning to work, how to handle job interviews, and dismissal.
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