Addressing practical issues in the workplace
How should employers and workers begin discussions about flexible working arrangements? Who is responsible for beginning the discussion?
NSW Industrial Relations
Caring Works - Discussion Board
3 Responses to “Addressing practical issues in the workplace”
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November 3rd, 2008 at 11:20 pm
If an Employer had a Carer Policy, and promoted the opportunity of flexibility in hours to accomodate caring roles this would also foster support by colleagues, balanced by the obligation of the employed carer to meet job requirements, it would be validating the caring role, rather than having to ask for favours.
November 13th, 2008 at 11:09 am
Unfortunately the reality in some organisations is that they cannot replace the worker at short notice and they put untoward pressure on the carer to attend work with the same expectation of any worker not in a caring role. This may lead to the carer making different decisions about the person they are caring for and not necessarily in their best interest so as to hold on to the job.
December 3rd, 2008 at 9:26 am
I think it’s important to remember the caring role is continous, it’s not always about the crisis times. As a result, there should be work opportunities to earn at your fullest capacity, including as a part time employee. At present, if you want to work part time, it’s only available in lower paid roles. Why can’t someone continue in their chosen career where they can earn more (and rely less on welfare) whilst also caring for family? There are many organisations that promote ‘family friendly” work practices and “flexible” work practices. The reality is quite different. Very few organisations will allow workers to work different hours (that do not conform with the norm, ie 9-5, many think that a one rostered day off per month equates to flexibility, and very few would ever contemplate allowing people to undertake some work from home, and sadly, some claim to offer carers leave, which actually comes out of the individuals sick leave entitlement. So you take time to care and then when you get sick, you use your annual leave or go without pay (if you’re lucky enough to have en employer who will keep you). These are the mechanisms that allow carers to continue working as productive members of our society, whilst also fulfilling their caring roles.