INCENTIVES TO MAKE WORK/LIFE BALANCE A REALITY

Minister for Women Margaret Keech today announced a new Beattie Government ‘industry challenge’ initiative offering cash incentives for businesses to help workers balance their work and life.

Mrs Keech said most people placed a high priority on balancing their responsibilities as workers and family members.

“If we’re going to tackle the Queensland skills shortage head-on, we need to look at some of the reasons why people are not re-entering or staying in the workforce – and make some practical long-term changes,” she said.

“Strategies that help workers balance their work and family life will increase the productivity of Queensland businesses, lower the costs of staff turnover, and let them develop a competitive edge as business operators that retain highly skilled staff.

“We need to break down gender barriers and achieve culture change both in workplaces and in the community.”

Mrs Keech said businesses and community organisations would be challenged to develop models, implement pilot programs or establish resources, that could enable employees to work flexibly, improve their skills, or develop leadership abilities.

“These challenges might include establishing mentoring schemes, innovative flexible working policies or quality part-time work arrangements, particularly in more senior roles,” she said.

“Organisations will be encouraged to work together, across an industry or in partnership, to share these policies, programs and knowledge.

“It’s about taking the next step, beyond just writing a company policy.

“The Beattie Government isn’t interested in lip service - it’s about implementing sustainable systems and programs that will make a difference in the workplace and we can start by rewarding those organisations that are doing the right thing.

“So I challenge business and community organisations to actively create more opportunities for Queensland workers by addressing the barriers to participation and leadership in their particular industry.”

More information will be available shortly on the Office for Women website at www.women.qld.gov.au or by calling 1800 177 577.

Media contact: Jo Gibbons 3224 2007 or David Smith 3225 1005