The Flexible Workplace Program aims at reducing urban traffic congestion. Photo by Derek Orr.
JAG trial team. Back: Lucy Yarrington, Jonathan Scott, Andrew Dungan and Marjolein Broers. Front: Vonnie Semple, Michelle Patterson and Paul Douglas.
Flexible workplace trial in Brisbane
In June this year, the Department of Transport and Main Roads promoted a trial of flexible workplace initiatives aimed at reducing urban traffic congestion, as the first phase of the Flexible Workplace Program.
The trial, the first phase of the Flexible Workplace Program, involved Brisbane-based government departments and a number of CBD private companies, and encouraged:
- telecommuting (working from home)
- compressing the working week
- earlier or later start and finish times.
Starting and finishing work earlier was the most popular initiative among the 900 participants.
Dr Marjolein Broers, Senior Policy Officer from the Department of Justice and Attorney-General (JAG) participated in the trial.
'Every person in our team tried various flexible workplace initiatives. Some even tried a few things at once,' Marjolein said.
Marjolein developed a series of tools for her team:
- a schedule outlining their hours and location
- a task list of each employee's projects
- a phone answering script with contact details of telecommuters.
‘As a result of the trial, people found they had more time for family and were less reliant on child care. They also felt more productive, as they could work with fewer distractions,’ Marjolein said.
PSC builds on trial's successes
The Public Service Commission (PSC), in partnership with State Government agencies, will build on the successes of the flexible workplace pilot with the next phase, the Flexible Workplace Program: Supported Implementation.
The phase was launched by PSC Chief Executive Bruce Wilson (pictured) on Monday 10 August 2009 at a forum co-hosted by the Department of Transport and Main Roads, and the PSC.
Mr Wilson said that a focus on people, performance and innovation is the key to creating and maintaining a high-performing public service.
'Flexible work practices and places enable the recruitment of quality people, maximise their engagement in their work and provide Queenslanders with the best possible service delivery,' Mr Wilson said.
Professor Carlo Ratti, Queensland's first Innovator in Residence, was a guest speaker at the forum. Professor Ratti facilitated a study into taking advantage of Queensland's climate and green spaces to create flexible workplaces.
Agencies partnering with the Public Service Commission include Transport and Main Roads, Premier and Cabinet, Community Safety, Public Works and Environment and Resource Management.
Contact Tracey Flint, Senior Manager, Public Service Commission, for more information about the program.
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Last reviewed: 31 August, 2009
Last updated: 1 September, 2009
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