Marino Monograms stitch up flexible work arrangements

Fresh Ideas funding recipient - Marino Monograms Pty Ltd

South Australian uniform and embroidery supplier, Marino Monograms, is serious about flexible work arrangements for staff with family duties.

With the help of a $9504 Fresh Ideas for Work and Family grant, the company of 14 employees has developed and put in place a formal written policy on their family-friendly work arrangements. Titled ‘Work and Family Balance Arrangement 2010’ the policy will educate both staff and employers on these arrangements and how they can be accessed.

‘We wanted to enhance our already implemented, family-friendly work arrangements and enable employees to complete work tasks while still being able to care for family members through times of illness, or through unavoidable periods, such as school holidays,’ director Peter Borgas said.

With the funding, the company has purchased laptop computers and software, enabling employees to work from home if required.

They have also used the funding to establish a dedicated and comfortable family room, equipped with a television, DVDs, computer games, magazines, work table, desk and couch that can be used by young children, teenagers, breast-feeding mothers or elderly parents.

‘It gives our employees peace of mind knowing we support them when family difficulties arise and makes us a sought-after employer within the small business community because we offer staff more options,’ said Peter.

‘Employees are reassured that, as an employer, we are sympathetic to their individual situations and that we have viable options in cases where they want to work but, under certain circumstances, they may not be able to due to family duties.’

Peter encouraged other small businesses to apply for funding, under initiatives such as Fresh Ideas for Work and Family, to help develop family-friendly work arrangements.

‘A lot of small businesses probably think they will never get a grant and just don’t apply for them but we found it was worth the time and effort and will apply for other opportunities that may arise in the future.

‘As a small business, it does give us a sense of pride knowing we are a company that can offer such a wonderful, flexible working arrangement to our staff who may require support for their family duties and circumstances,’ Peter said.