We are developing a University-wide Flexible Work framework to support and enable new and flexible ways of working – and we need your input.
We have previously published information about this project in This Week, and you may have seen an MQ Announcement from Nicole Gower and Patrick McNeil this week on next steps. Please speak to your manager if you did not receive this important update.
The University Executive Group has endorsed the release of a draft framework for Flexible Work at Macquarie for consultation and feedback from all staff. Feedback from you and your team is important to help us further refine our ideas and the proposed framework.
People’s experiences and needs are as diverse as university life itself and we want to make sure that the framework can effectively accommodate this richness and diversity. Please make sure you take some time to understand the draft framework and then complete the survey.
Thank you for your engagement and contribution to the development of new ways of working at Macquarie. We look forward to hearing your thoughts and feedback for input into the next phase of this work.
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It is important to allow flexible working arrangements because it is conducive to workforce diversity and inclusivity, for example to include parents, seniors, carers.
With advancements in technology giving people the ability to access important pieces of information wherever they are, there’s no longer a need for employees to work in an office to be productive. Flexible working arrangements allow employees to negotiate a less rigid working arrangement to improve work-life balance and their overall contribution to their company.
If the employees are struggling with long commutes, conflicting schedules, and poor productivity; perhaps you should look at the benefits that a flexible working arrangement can have on you and your workers.
One of the biggest reasons businesses and employees are desiring flexible work schedules is because it boosts overall morale and engagement within the workplace. By allowing employees to have a better work-life balance, you’re encouraging them to become happier and more fulfilled in their personal lives, as well as having them hold their work in much higher regard. An increase in employee happiness, engagement, and morale means more productive employees. If an employee is happy with their work situation, there’s less chance of them looking for employment elsewhere.
One of the biggest benefits of flexible working arrangements, particularly for large organisations, is the ability to save on costs. Direct costs that contribute to keeping an employee at a desk, including internet use and general office expenses, are significantly reduced if the employee works from home or with limited office hours. There’s also the ability for a business to reduce real estate costs simply by cutting down on individual office spaces and utilising a shared or co-working environment.