The Flexible Work Survey results are in and they show strong engagement, with almost a thousand staff having responded to the survey in March, and respondents overwhelmingly endorsing the University’s proposal to adopt a flexible workplace.
Nicole Gower and Patrick McNeil, Executive Sponsors, Our People Program Board, shared the results at an All Staff Town Hall on Thursday 12 May. The Survey was part of Phase 1 of the Flexible Work Project previously shared in This Week.
The results revealed a desire among staff to move to a ‘flexibility by design’ approach, reflecting the diverse needs of the University, and 86% of respondents agreed the proposed framework satisfactorily captured the work we do at Macquarie.
“It is not as simple as implementing a one size fits all approach because we know people do many different types of work here at Macquarie. Teams will need to work together to co-design the right solution and to balance different interests and needs,” says Nicole Gower.
Feedback received through the survey has led to a number of important amendments to the draft framework which will be finalised and incorporated into a Flexible Work Companion, scheduled for release in July. Much like the proposed framework, the Flexible Work Companion will provide principles-based guidance and practical information to help guide teams in considering, discussing and implementing flexible work practices that work well in their context.
The Flexible Work Companion and various enabling tools are currently being developed to further support implementation. A group of Flex Champions will also provide practical assistance for teams in their portfolio to work through the development of flexible work plans.
Flex Champions
The Flex Champions will be nominated by members of the Executive Group of the University, representing faculties and portfolios. They will work with teams across the University to support the implementation of the new framework. This ‘go-to person’ will be trained to provide practical support and guidance to teams. The role will include facilitation of team-based discussions and identifying where some additional support may be helpful.
For more details about the survey results watch the Town Hall recording.
Back to homepage
Comments
We encourage active and constructive debate through our comments section, but please remain respectful. Your first and last name will be published alongside your comment.
Comments will not be pre-moderated but any comments deemed to be offensive, obscene, intimidating, discriminatory or defamatory will be removed and further action may be taken where such conduct breaches University policy or standards. Please keep in mind that This Week is a public site and comments should not contain information that is confidential or commercial in confidence.