Case Study - Creating a Healthy Workplace within a 24/7 work environment

A major teaching hospital in Victoria wanted and needed to implement a work/life strategy that encompassed a range of options, including flexible working, health and wellbeing programs, additional on-site facilities as well as changes to the shift patterns and rosters. They needed to address challenges relating to employee retention and increasing demands for flexible work arrangements.

After an initial planning workshop and consultation process with the Human Resources team as well as departmental stakeholders, it was agreed that an in-depth needs assessment would be the best way to collect the data needed to demonstrate that work/life challenges are a real business issue. This process would also collect the statistical data needed to identify and prioritise the needs of staff.

Barbara Holmes, Director of Managing Work|Life Balance International led this project in partnership with the hospital’s Work/Life Manager. A series of focus groups were conducted by both MWLB and members of the hospital’s HR team. These sessions identified the key issues for staff. In addition, each member of the Executive Team was interviewed and contributed information about the priorities for their department. This data was used to build the survey questionnaire and illustrate many of the subsequent findings.

The survey which was delivered to all staff. The findings were analysed by demographic groups. They highlighted both strengths and opportunities for action. Each Executive received a report for their specific department. Presentations were made to the Executive Team and included both long and short-term options for the future. The Hospital’s Work/Life Manager is now in the process of working with stakeholders to implement the recommendations.