Is your organisation ready for the new industrial environment?
The new Fair Work Act, including the National Employment Standards which come into effect on 1 January 2010, means that all Australian employers are obliged to seriously consider requests for flexible working from their employees. This represents a fundamental shift in the onus of responsibility for managing flexible working arrangements to the employer. While flexibility sounds like an easy concept in theory, in practice getting it right takes skill. We know from leading edge research that organisations can have great policies and programs but unless the line or direct manager is sufficiently competent, the organisation will not be able to fully realise flexibility benefits.
Lisa Annese, DCA's (Acting) Research Director says the rewards are there for organisations that do flexibility well.
"When flexibility is managed well, the rewards to both the organisation and employees are enormous. This includes greater productivity, loyalty, improved motivation, reduced turnover and recruiting costs and the ability to become a true employer of choice. Conversely, a poorly managed arrangement can have disastrous consequences for individuals and teams. It is crucial that employers get the balance right."
You are invited to the launch of Flexibility First
DCA has developed a new program called
Flexibility First to help employers prepare for the new industrial environment and reap the business benefits of flexibility. Developed from years of experience in working with business, this intensive course especially designed for managers will help improve skills to ensure your organisation is fully prepared.
Trevor Childs, Group Manager, Employee Relations for Stockland who recently piloted
Flexibility First for its managers said the program was extremely valuable.
"Line managers are the critical conversion point in bridging the gap between corporate flexibility policies and day-to-day work practices.
Flexibility First is a highly practical program which builds manager capability and confidence to effectively implement tailored flexible work arrangements."
DCA is launching
Flexibility First at a special event in Sydney, kindly hosted by Stockland. At this event you will learn about the new environment for employers, what DCA's program is offering and how it will help ensure your organisation is fully prepared.
When: Tuesday 20 October 2009, 9.30-10.30am
Where: Stockland, Level 2, 133 Castlereagh St, Sydney
Cost: Free of charge for DCA members, $25 incl. GST for non-members.
To register: Click
here for a registration form and send it to
sydney@dca.org.au or fax it to (02) 8988 2852.
Spaces are strictly limited for this special event, so don't miss out. Book now! About Flexibility First
Flexibility First is a half day program delivered either in-house or through a program open to attendees from any organisation. It will:
- Keep employers informed of changes in legislation and this new compliance environment
- Assist organisations and their key employees to understand the business case for flexibility
- Provide information on the key challenges in engaging a flexible workplace
- Provide practical guidance and (take-away) tools to organisations to assist in managing requests for flexibility, implementing flexible working arrangements, managing such arrangements and improving the capability of managers who are at the coal face of the flexible worker.
For more information on the program, please contact us on (02) 9035 2852 or Sydney@dca.org.au.