Have your say on work-life balance
The Government's work-life balance project has begun public consultation on an issue that touches all New Zealanders
lives.
Labour Minister Margaret Wilson said the aim is to gather the ideas and views of as many New Zealanders as possible
about work-life balance.
Margaret Wilson said the project is not just about looking at the pressures faced by individuals. "New Zealand is facing
skill shortages across all sectors of the economy. Businesses need to attract and retain the best people. Quality of
life is a point of international difference we can't afford to overlook."
"We will look at what people have to say and work with key organisations towards developing some practical ways to ease
pressure while boosting productivity. These solutions cannot be pre-judged - already it is clear the issues are broad
and a one-size-fits-all approach is not realistic.”
Over the last six months a steering group led by the Department of Labour has been talking to different groups round the
country and has set up a website www.worklife.govt.nz. The group’s case studies indicate that some of the benefits of
work-life balance policies are improved recruitment and retention rates with the associated cost savings, reduced
absenteeism and sick leave usage, and improved productivity.
Employers see work-life balance initiatives as a way of retaining and attracting quality staff, particularly in the
current labour market. However they often do not have the time, resources or expertise to implement them.
Employees say the demands of their jobs can contribute to work-life imbalances, but there are many other factors outside
the workplace that come into play. Unsurprisingly, childcare is a major issue. Less talked about are the concerns New
Zealanders have about caring for aging parents.
“We started this work because there is growing local and international research suggesting that people from all walks of
life experience real difficulties balancing their work, family and other commitments. Many people do not take action
until there is a crisis.
“The Work-Life Balance project is not about government telling people how to run their lives. It is about asking how
individuals, companies and organisations see the issue, what currently works for them, and what else could be done to
improve things.
“I am encouraged with the response to the project so far. We have received some excellent examples of companies
embracing work-life balance practices and enjoying the business benefits as a result. We have also heard from
individuals who provide day-to-day examples of the issues they face and how they are tackling them. “For government to
be able to look at what practical things can be done to support and extend good employment practice, we need as much
information as possible about just what it is that matters to people. “We need the views and ideas of a wide audience,
from small business people trying to juggle their time with just a few staff, people in rural areas, where home is often
their workplace, the experience of older workers, and young people just setting out on their working lives. Everyone
will have a view on this and everyone’s story is valuable to the debate. “ Margaret Wilson said that there were also
lessons to be learnt from some of the bigger companies who have workplace practices in place that others can model. “It
is not always about big, formal options. We are hearing examples of low cost – even no cost – ideas that provide good
returns for businesses and individuals.” About 25 groups are actively involved with the project including Business New
Zealand, the New Zealand School Trustees Association, the EEO Trust and the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions and the
Maori Women's Welfare League.
To get the public consultation off the ground, 5000 discussion packs containing 12 information sheets targeted at
different audiences will be distributed to these partner organisations for circulation through their memberships. The
packs contain response forms for organisations and individuals to register their ideas.
The discussion packs will be available through Citizens Advice Bureaux and on the project website www.worklife.govt.nz.
Individuals can have their say online or by writing in to the project.
The launch of the consultation campaign also coincides with EEO Trust’s latest online survey which is about the impact
work commitments have on relationships.