‘The challenge is understanding that it is about quality of the job done, not the hours and places worked - the reward is keen, committed employees.’
Fresh Ideas funding recipient - Take A Break Away Pty Ltd
Web-based holiday booking company Take A Break Away has developed a reputation for the innovative use of internet technology in delivering services to its customers.
It is also using the same approach to meet the diverse work and family needs of its employees.
Proud recipients of a High Commendation in the small business category of the National Work & Family Awards in 2007, Take A Break Away continues to focus on offering flexible work practices to help its staff effectively manage work and family responsibilities.
Take A Break Away has now received a grant through the first round of the Fresh Ideas for Work and Family program, enabling it to implement even more family friendly arrangements.
Of 11 employees, several telecommute full time, others work from home part time and half the staff work from the offices of the Canberra-based company.
HR Director of Take A Break Away, Michelle Kothe, says the challenge for the company was to meet the diverse needs of its employees.
‘Prior to the funding, the main challenge we faced was meeting the needs of employees who wished to telecommute and also of those who had family responsibilities,’ says Michelle.
‘The grant has been used by Take A Break Away to support work from home arrangements for about half the staff members including laptops with remote access capability contact with the main office.’
It has also been used to construct a family room at the Take A Break Away office in Canberra, equipped with a television and DVD player to allow employees with caring responsibilities to bring school-age children to work for short periods.
‘It was amazing the effect these new arrangements had – even on the employees not using the new setups,’ says Michelle.
‘They were enthused by the obvious commitment shown to work/life balance and some have opted to take up other work/life options offered by the company.’
In terms of ‘lessons learned’ and advice to future recipients, Michelle Kothe has compelling advice.
‘The most important thing is to walk the walk - management need to lead the way by utilising these arrangements themselves.
‘This encourages employees to take up family friendly options and not feel their job may be threatened by doing so.
‘The challenge is understanding that it is about quality of the job done, not the hours and places worked - the reward is keen, committed employees.’