Work-Life Balance
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Abstract
Initiatives During 2011/12, the Bank pursued initiatives relating to work-life balance, including the provision of training, access to flexible work arrangements and support facilities. A focus group study conducted during the year provided valuable information in formulating work-life balance strategies for the new Diversity Plan. Training was provided to managers on how to approach flexible work requests, in line with the Federal Government's National Employment Standards under the Fair Work Act 2009. The Standards give an employee who is a parent of a child under school age, or under 18 and with a disability, the right to request flexible work arrangements. An option to express interest in a work-life balance workshop was added to the learning and development catalogue for staff transitioning back to work from parental leave. • removed the cap on the accrual of personal leave • revised parental leave arrangements, with the second year of parental leave absence granted as an entitlement • undertaken to explore (in consultation with the Equity & Diversity Policy Committee) the introduction of further flexibility options including retirement, career breaks, varied work Diversity Initiatives and Profile patterns to assist with study and development goals, and flexible use on a regular basis of accrued long service leave. The option of a web-based portal for staff on extended leave to access Bank information was reviewed and approval was given for the project to commence in the next reporting period. A time-series analysis related to career breaks commenced. The project aims to identify any effects of career breaks on an individual's career. The Bank is an accredited breastfeeding friendly workplace and provides a Parent Room for parents, including women returning to work from parental leave. During September 2011, the Parent Room was relocated, with new facilities and additional resource materials, including a desk with provision to connect a laptop. The room was accredited by the Australian Breastfeeding Association, and highlighted in an edition of the staff magazine, Currency. The Bank offers primary health care through the Bank's Occupational Health Centre, which provides advice to staff on work-related health matters, including ergonomic assessments and rehabilitation case management. The Bank also offers support to staff and their families through the Employee Assistance Program. This service provides confidential professional counselling and support via an online portal, phone and face-to-face meetings; it is promoted through the Bank's Health & Wellbeing Program. Employees continue to utilise this confidential facility, which …