'Good work/life balance practices enhance our happy, high-performing culture'

Fresh Ideas funding recipient - Property Works Ltd

Canberra and south coast based property inspection company, Property Works, has long recognised the value of flexible work practices. But it wasn't until this small business successfully applied for a grant through the Fresh Ideas for Work and Family program that it was able to offer the full benefit of these arrangements to its employees.

Company director, Sharlene Cohen, says that although Property Works previously had a range of flexible work options available for staff, these were offered on an 'ad hoc' basis.

'We realised that to fully achieve the business benefits of our flexible work practices, we needed a more systematic approach to staff consultation and to formalise these arrangements with clear policies and guidelines.

'So with the assistance of our grant we were able to engage a consultant to help us.

'An audit conducted by the consultant revealed that while most employees felt we were building a culture where work/life balance is valued, it was important that all our staff felt that their work/life needs were considered and that they knew what options were available to them and how to submit a proposal for flexible work arrangements.'

Following staff consultation, policies and guidelines were developed on part-time work, leave arrangements, home-based work and job-sharing.

As well as assisting employees, Sharlene Cohen says these arrangements also have 'bottom line business benefits'.

'Good work/life balance practices enhance our happy, high-performing culture,' she says. 'If people are happy to come to work and feel they have a balanced lifestyle, this leads to high staff retention and lower costs associated with employee turnover.

'Employee satisfaction at work and less stress due to a reduction in work/life conflict also means better customer service.'

The new policies and guidelines provide current and prospective employees with information about the flexible work practices available at Property Works and have assisted the company in its objective to be seen as a preferred employer in the way it values the work/life needs of its employees.

'It is fantastic for our business to be perceived in the marketplace as an employer of choice because of our flexibility arrangements.

'It also means that we have a happy, healthy, engaged and stress free working environment that benefits employees, employer and stakeholders.

'We are delighted that this grant has given us the opportunity to achieve so much for our employees and business through the formalisation of our flexible workplace practices.'