work family life balance index page

home | site index | help | glossary | contact us

dk2 works

top

work / family-life balance

dk2 has a corporate commitment to nurturing a working environment which supports our employees in achieving and maintaining a balance between their working and personal lives.

We also provide support to other organisations in achieving this for your employees.

In the future, this section of our website will provide you with free resources and ideas to support you in understanding what is meant by work/life balance and which you might choose to use in your own workplace. We will also provide links to other sites, organisations and consultants who may be available to assist you in meeting the needs of your staff.

what do we mean by work life balance?

In the context of the discussion, work means employment or paid work. Life refers to one's personal lives, experiences and responsibilities outside and beyond the workplace. For many, these include families and, often, the debate of work life balance is often called work family balance.

Many people have caring responsibilities which take on a range of forms - the care of dependent children, 'care-giving for elderly, disabled or ill relatives.' (Balancing work and family responsibilities report, 2002, p.12)

A sense of imbalance and dissatisfaction with the culture of a workplace inevitably lead to decreased motivation and productivity. Therefore, a work environment which actively encourages and fosters policies and practices which lead to employees feeling a a sense of balance between the demands placed on them at work and the demands and experiences they have beyond it is said to be committed to work life balance.

what are the benefits for business and employees?

business

employees

staff attrition rates are influenced
lower staff turnover
employee loyalty increases
the work environment attracts more quality applicants
high rate of return from extended leave
improved performance
reduced absenteeism
increased business turnover
positive staff attitudes
few employees abuse system
reduced sick leave
employer profile is enhanced within the business / corporate community
employer perceived as an 'employer of choice'
increased collegiality and team work
organisation perceived as genuinely innovative
customer loyalty increases
increase in number of women in executive positions
attracting quality graduates

a sense of balance between work and life outside work
employees feel a sense of being trusted
employees take advantage of flexible work options
increased workplace flexibility
increased motivation and commitment
improved staff morale
increased awareness and understanding of need to achieve balance between life and work
decreased stress
increased job satisfaction
improved workplace health
sense that management understands employee's personal needs
real opportunities for training and development
meaningful work for employees undertaking flexible work options - part timers access to promotional positions etc
locus of control rests with employee
managers become effective role models for other staff
employees become proud to work here
employees become more responsive to new initiatives

This list was compiled with reference to a range of publications, experience and particularly the ACCI National Work and Family Awards 2002 - Winning Workplaces, Commonwealth of Australia, 2002

Stay posted as we add more and more resources for your use!

For more information, contact us.

top

ideas are our strength | we see the bigger picture

ict and innovation in education | online learning | work/family-life balance |

website review and development

educational resource development | tendering to government

products | about us | make contact

p.o box 358, moonee ponds 3039
copyright dk2 pty ltd australia 2002 acn 102 427 510