Expert opinion

Work-life balance - More than just good economics   by Senator Jacinta Collins - 16 March 2010 Balancing work with family and other responsibilities is a challenge in our busy, modern lives.  As the Australian Government’s Special Adviser on Work and Family Balance and Pay Equity, I understand this challenge and it is one I take seriously.

You have probably experienced this yourself;  juggling work and other commitments such as caring for a loved one or finding time for activities outside the workplace.  Like they say, life should not be all work and no play.

In times of economic uncertainty, the importance of balancing work and life can be overshadowed by concerns about productivity, profits and jobs.

Good work–life balance is about more than economics;  it is about the sort of society we want to live in.  And the fact is, workplaces that achieve good work–life balance are more productive and harmonious.

Yesterday (15 March 2010), I had the pleasure of presenting the 2009–10 National Work–Life Balance Awards at Old Parliament House in Canberra.  More information on the Awards can be found here - http://www.deewr.gov.au/WorkplaceRelations/FreshIdeas/Pages/2009NationalWork-LifeBalanceAwards.aspx

The Awards recognise businesses, government and community organisations that are leaders in successfully delivering work-life balance practices that help people balance work with family and other commitments.

This year’s winners, special commendations and finalists show us the value of achieving this balance through offering flexible work hours, options to work from home, paid parental leave, job-sharing, on-site carer’s facilities and study assistance.

These sorts of flexible work options lead to higher employee job satisfaction and less stress.  And this flows on to employers through improved productivity and staff loyalty, reduced absences and recognition as an employer of choice.

Being an employer of choice can help attract the best and brightest staff.  Global studies show that work–life balance is a major factor for today’s graduates when they are choosing an employer.

As well as recognising businesses that lead the way on work–life balance, the Australian Government is also supporting small businesses to strike this balance.  Small businesses can now apply for grants worth up to $15,000 to help them implement family-friendly work arrangements through the second round of our Fresh Ideas for Work and Family Grants Program.

Employers and employees can also check out the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Best Practice Guide:  Work & Family to get more information about putting in place work-life balance strategies, as well as the advantages of developing family friendly workplaces.

The new Fair Work workplace relations system also provides a number of entitlements to help working parents better balance work and family.  These include 12 months unpaid parental leave guaranteed to all parents under the National Employment Standards, and a parent’s right to request flexible work arrangements like returning to work part time or an additional 12 months unpaid leave to help care for children under school age.

And later this year the Government will introduce legislation for a Government-funded 18 weeks paid parental leave scheme to help working parents.  This will make it possible for more parents to stay home and care for their baby during those important first months, while also staying engaged in the workforce.

The Government wants to make Australia a world leader in workplace innovation and work–life balance to give everyone a fair go at work.  I am proud to be working to achieve this through my role.

Senator Jacinta Collins, Special Adviser to the Australian Deputy Prime Minister on Work and Family Balance and Pay Equity, Senator for Victoria.