Work Life Balance
The following work life balance initiatives were introduced into the Northern Territory Public Sector 2008 – 2010 Union Collective Agreement (sub clause 41.1 (b)):
- utilisation of recreation leave at half pay;
- purchase of additional leave; and
- NTPS Extended Leave Scheme.
The following documents have been produced in relation to these intiatives for whole of government use.
Flexibility in the workplace is now recognised as a valuable tool in achieving greater business productivity. This approach supports Work Life Balance, a concept providing the flexibility necessary for employees to manage the balance between what needs to be achieved at work and their personal commitments outside the workplace.
Work life balance issues are receiving increasing attention at international, national and local level. In Australia, all tiers of Government and many private sector companies are recognising the benefits of work life balance initiatives.
In line with this trend, the NTPS is working to enable our employees to achieve a better balance between their work and personal lives whilst continuing to meet agency needs through the adoption of the Work Life Balance Policy and Implementation Plan.
NTPS committment
The Northern Territory Government (NTG) is committed to the development of a responsive, flexible public sector which provides excellent services to the people of the Territory. The Government supports employees in balancing their work and life commitments. It recognises that balancing the needs of the workplace with those of employees will create a more effective and productive NTPS.
The NTG demonstrates a commitment to address the challenges of balancing work and personal lives through effective leadership.
This policy provides agencies with the opportunity to exercise greater flexibility in employment arrangements, to the benefit of the agency, its customers and employees. It establishes a sector-wide framework for NTPS agencies to use in developing work life balance initiatives. Under this policy, agencies are required to develop work life balance plans in consultation with employees. The plans will detail the agencies' commitment to flexible and responsive work practices.
Rationale
Who needs Work Life Balance? As people move through their lives their responsibilities and needs constantly change. The reasons for people needing to achieve a better balance between their work and personal lives also change. Some of the factors that can lead to an imbalance include:
- family responsibilities (including the care of dependent children, immediate family members and elderly family members, or relatives with disabilities or illnesses);
- study;
- emergency services volunteer and other volunteer work;
- boards and committees;
- community activities and obligations, including cultural and ceremonial events;
- competitive sport;
- general health and wellbeing activities;
- phased retirement for older workers; and
- phased return to work after injury, illness or parental leave.
NTPS Work Life Balance pilot
Under the current NTPS Work Life Balance Policy and Implementation Plan, approximately 900 NTPS employees throughout the Department of Chief Minister, the Department of Employment, Education and Training, and the Department of Health and Community Services participated in a Work Life Balance Pilot program, which finished in May 2006.
It is anticipated that the evaluation of the results of this Pilot will be incorporated in a report to Cabinet early in 2007 recommending an agreed framework for implementation of the Work Life Balance policy across the Northern Territory Public Sector.