Recent Australian Projects undertaken by our Consultants

View a selection of Recent International Projects undertaken by our Consultants.

Review of Web Site Information for EOWA

In 2006 Barbara and Erica undertook a project for EOWA, which involved an update of their online materials related to The 7 Employment Matters. They reviewed and updated, where appropriate, the content of these sections. In particular they ensured that the data was current and complied with legislation. In addition they identified a number of organisations who have achieved significant changes as a result of innovative strategies. These organisations were interviewed and case studies written to demonstrate what can be achieved. This material was recently posted in the EOWA web site.

Serving Up Flexibility

A project undertaken for the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations in conjunction with the Restaurant and Catering Association and State Associations . This was a particularly interesting project as the industry is one that faces a number of challenges, especially where there is a war for talent, staff work unsocial hours and shift work. The focus was on collecting examples and building case studies of restaurants and catering organisations who had implemented a range of flexible work arrangements that met the needs of both the staff and the business. Our consulting team interviewed Owners, Managers and Staff in 10 organisations. Using the data collected Case Studies were written and produced, as well as supporting information on the implementation of flexible work arrangements. This resource is now available from DEWR.

Childcare Feasibility Study

In conjunction with a not for profit childcare provider, Managing Work|Life Balance consultants undertook a childcare feasibility study for a NSW public sector agency with over 5000 staff located throughout the State. The project consisted of:-

Consultation with Managers and project leaders
In depth survey and review of staff needs and priorities
Assessment of potential usage of an on-site childcare facility.
Review of local current and future childcare facilities
Costing of on-site and other childcare options.
Assessment of the financial feasibility of an onsite childcare centre.

The client is now using this data as part of their consultation and decision making process.

Work/Life Needs Assessment and Strategy Development

This project is an excellent example of the long term relationships we are able to develop with clients. The initial project, started in 2006, was to provide advice on work/life policies and practices in similar industries. We continued to meet with the HR Director on an 'as needs' basis and provided advice and suggestions on ways for their strategy to gain traction and be included in the overall business plan for the organisation. (A specialist food manufacturer). Once this was achieved our consultants were invited to design and facilitate an online work/life needs assessment.

The needs assessment delivered data that showed strengths and opportunities for action not only for the whole business but also within specific business units. It highlighted issues for mature aged workers as well as others who wanted and needed to work more flexibly. The data has been used to develop specific corporate and business group, plans of action that can be measured and evaluated over time. In late 2007 Managing Work|Life Balance consultants assisted with the drafting of a suite of flexible work arrangement policies and guidelines. These have since been implemented and the client is now in the process of advising and supporting managers and staff who either need to manage or want to work flexibly.

We understand from the client that they have gained considerable expertise from this 'partnering process' and feel that they can use what they heave learnt to manage their work/life and flexible work arrangement strategy yet they feel comfortable to ask for our help when they move into unknown territory.

Diversity/Work/Life Investigation

An international food manufacturing organisation requested our help to identify the specific diversity/work/life needs of their staff and to then recommend an appropriate strategy that would be accepted by the Executive and meet employee needs.

Our consultants conducted an initial review of the client's recent survey data, their policies and procedures, as well as their compliance with statutory requirements under the harassment and discrimination legislation. Further data was collected through focus groups and interviews, including a representative sample of staff who had resigned from the organisation within the last 6 months.

The analysed data indicated a number of options for the organisation, most particularly in the areas of flexible work arrangements and career development, particularly for those who work less than full time. The client is now using the recommendations and the draft strategy, produced by the Managing Work|Life Balance consultants, to implement a range of options to meet the diverse needs within the workforce. As well, we are benchmarking the recommended changes to flexible work options, against other similar organisations within Australia. In addition the organisation is now using the Child and Eldercare Information Kits and the Flexible Work Options Tool Kits. As with the previous example, this client has had a relationship with Managing Work|Life Balance for over 8 years which enables us to deliver a high level of quality service targeted specifically to the clients needs.

Manager Education

Skilling managers to manage work/life issues within their work teams and respond appropriately to requests for flexible work arrangements is a critical component of a work/life strategy. This project for a Qld organisation, which provides a 24/7 service in CBD, regional and remote locations was designed to provide information to the managers on the policies and flexible work options available and to then skill the managers to implement local flexible work options such as part time work, job sharing and flexible work hours. The session included discussions on how to manage difficult situations, guidelines on how to have a discussion about a flexible work arrangement, skills practices and case-studies. Sessions were conducted in Brisbane, Townsville and Rockhampton. As a result of these sessions there has been a significant increase in the involvement of staff in flexible arrangements - many who would otherwise have left the organisation.

Concurrent to the management sessions workshops were facilitated for staff who were interested in accessing a flexible work arrangement. A component of these sessions was the opportunity to prepare a business case for accessing a flexible work arrangement. Discussions within the session also highlighted ways in which some of the challenges of a 24/7 operation could be overcome so as to enable staff to work flexibly.

Since the original project was undertaken, Barbara Holmes has facilitated a one day conference specifically for women in their workplace and contributed a session on managing your work/life balance.

Consulting Advice - Legislation - Contact Officer Training

Managing Work|Life Balance consultants have been working with this client (A national hardware retailer and supplier) for the last eight years. Initially this work focused on the facilitation of the bi-annual cultural survey, briefing Executives and Team Leaders. Subsequently we were invited to assist with the development and implementation of harassment, bullying and discrimination policies and the briefing of staff and managers on their rights and responsibilities in relation to the legislation.

It was also identified that there was a need to select and train Contact Officers.

Our consultants facilitated the training and provide ongoing coaching for these team members. Erica Edmands has also provided ongoing advice to the client on harassment and discrimination matters. As a result there have been significant changes and improvements in workplace culture and behaviours.