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Timely reminder on
flexible working
The Chief Executive of the State Services Authority, Karen Cleave has issued a reminder to public sector managers to regularly review flexible work arrangements in their work units.
Ms Cleave said an updated edition of the SSA’s Making Flexible Work a Success: A guide for public sector managers and employees was a thorough revamp of the original guide published in 2005.
“We no longer have to sell the benefits of flexible working arrangements,” Ms Cleave said.
“It is widely recognised that employers use arrangements such as part-time work or telecommuting to retain valued employees.”
| SSA reminder to PS managers |
She said what was more critical was the relationship between line managers and employees.
She said line managers and employees should have regular discussions of what’s working and what could be improved.
“It’s not a case of set-and-forget,” she said.
“Individual circumstances change.
“Managers and employees need to regularly review the mutual benefits of flexible arrangements.”
Ms Cleave said line managers needed to know the right course of action when dealing with requests for flexible arrangements.
“They have laws and agreements to comply with.
“Some managers dread having the conversation with their staff but they must also realise they have to balance the needs of all parties.”
She said the new Making Flexible Work a Success described the laws and agreements that managers must be aware of.
She said it also recommended a cyclical process of planning, assessing, implementing and reviewing arrangements and contained a comprehensive suite of tools providing practical help for managers and employees considering flexible arrangements.
The guide Making Flexible Work a Success can be accessed at this PS News link.
Edition 248, 25 January 2012
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