Combining work and family

A new project to develop a comprehensive work and family strategy was recently approved by the Vice-Chancellor's Group.

Building on the current range of work and family initiatives such as maternity and paternity leave, family leave, the 48/52 employment scheme, part-time employment, parental leave and related child-care services, the project aims to present a framework for the promotion and usage of work and family initiatives.

A reference group with a broad-based membership has been formed to provide input into the process and content of the strategy, and staff will be consulted throughout the 12-month project.

According to project coordinator Ms Michelle Waters, who is head of Family Advisory Services at Monash, the biggest challenge in work and family issues is the collaboration between staff and their managers to find ways of working that suit the needs of both staff and the university.

"Current research indicates that organisations achieve results when staff are respected, valued and have the freedom to be innovative in the way they work," she said.

Staff interested in contributing to the project are invited to contact Ms Waters at the Equal Opportunity Unit, Personnel Services Division, Clayton campus. Ms Waters is available Wednesdays to Fridays each week and can be contacted on extn 56926.

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