Voluntary approach best for flexible working hours

20 June 2007

Flexible work findings show voluntary approach is best

Business NZ has welcomed the publication of the findings of government research into the desire for flexible working hours.

The results of a public consultation process were released yesterday by the Department of Labour.

"Flexible work is more than dealing with issues of work life balance; it is just as importantly about improving productivity," says Business NZ employment specialist Paul Mackay.

"The fact that 90% of respondents support flexible work is good news.

"Business NZ promotes a voluntary approach to flexibility because the balance between the work/life needs of employees and the productivity needs of employers is so variable.

"Working hours is only one facet of flexibility - limiting that factor could limit the use of other options too. What's needed is the will to address the balance.

"The fact that 90% of respondents to the survey believe in practicing flexible work suggests that the will to make it work is already there. Legislation would therefore benefit only a very small minority.

"We believe it is better to encourage businesses and employees to voluntarily examine all options for flexibility with an open mind. We encourage creative conversations in the workplace to look for the options that will make workplaces as productive as they can be.

"We have been doing just that with the Department of Labour and the Council of Trade Unions and we look forward to continuing in constructive dialogue."

ENDS

© Scoop Media