5 April 2005

Work-Life balance resource launched

State Services Minister Trevor Mallard today launched a new Work-Life Balance resource that will enable the government, as a large employer, to lead by example in the wider workplace.

"The development of this Work-Life Balance resource is significant because it pulls together all of the good practice knowledge we have in this important area," Trevor Mallard said.

"This government is committed to helping New Zealanders balance their paid work with other aspects of their lives that are important to them. This is about more than having time to spend with the kids. It is also about making time for other family members, or sporting activities, or volunteer work, or further education or whatever else is needed to live well-rounded lives."

The resource fulfils two important purposes. It enables the government, as a large employer, to lead by example in the wider workplace and it assists government agencies to focus on a current issue - promoting themselves as an Employer of Choice in the competition for a share of the ‘brightest and best’.

Employer of Choice is a series of programmes to ensure the State Services is an employer that is attractive to high achievers with a commitment to service.

"The Labour-led government believes work-life balance initiatives can contribute to our overall goals of facilitating participation in paid employment, increasing workplace productivity, facilitating an innovative and inclusive society, and promoting quality of life.

"Addressing work-life balance barriers has the potential to contribute to addressing the critical challenges that New Zealand faces in lifting its economic performance and meeting skills gaps."

The resource has been produced by a joint team from departments, the Public Service Association and the State Services Commission. It describes principles for implementing work-life balance policies and offers a range of initiatives and solutions, as well as practical guidelines to achieve work-life balance. Although the resource is prepared primarily for government agencies, the content is relevant for private sector employers as well.

ENDS

© Scoop Media