A 100 per cent parental leave return rate and a spring baby boom at Peoplecare reveal a business that really is family friendly.
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The average national turnover following maternity leave is 18.5 per cent but the Illawarra based not-for-profit health fund has a perfect 100 per cent return rate as it welcomes back its 28th mum in five years.
Head of people and culture Maree Morgan-Monk said the result was based on flexible work arrangements and a return to work incentive of up to eight weeks pay. Both are designed to recognise the important contribution and value offered by new parents.
Mrs Morgan-Monk said each situation was different so employees the management were flexible in finding a solution that works for everyone.
“Being a family friendly organisation just makes good business sense. We don’t want to lose skills and knowledge,” she said.
Mrs Morgan-Monk said it was important for the organisation to understand the challenges parents face and provides support, not only through flexible work arrangements but also financially. Such an approach can make a world of difference and created a good spirit within the workplace.
Chief executive Michael Bassingthwaighte said achieving industry-leading maternity leave return rates was a great sign for Peoplecare and a sign the business was helping its workforce enjoy a good work and family life balance.
“It proves that if you treat your employees with respect as they return to work from parental leave, they are more likely to stay with your organisation, which is a win-win for all. Life changes with a new baby, so work arrangements need to change too. I see it as a responsibility of good business to accommodate that. With a little planning and support from management co-workers, it is absolutely possible to successfully manage duties around flexible hours and work-from-home arrangements. We have also chosen to support our Peoplecarers with a return-to-work incentive scheme, recognising the different demands on parents at this time. It is designed to provide extra help to cover childcare costs and remind parents we truly value them and their contribution".
New mum Hayley Windisch said Peoplecare was very supportive of her and her husband Luke following the arrival of each of their three children. ‘’Peoplecare has played a major role in the bonding with our children as they agreed to special work hours so the children get one-on-one time with Luke in the mornings and then myself in the afternoon. This arrangement has been perfect for us and has made parenting so much easier.”
Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
