Department of Health, Perth |
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| The Need for WLB: | To continue working full time while raising a family | |
| Outcome: | Telecommuting 2 days a week | |
I had been working as a full-time Nurse Manager at Royal Perth Hospital since 2002. During that time, I worked up to 10 to 12 hours a day, 5 days a week. Due to a heavy workload and constant interruptions, I was never able to be really on top of my work.
3 years into my job, I became pregnant with my 1st child. I went on maternity for about a year. I was looking forward to coming back to work after a year’s break. I scouted around for a full-day child care centre around my home or work area to place my son. Unfortunately, there were no vacancies for full-time. They had part-time vacancies only and I was only able to secure 3 days per week.
I spoke to my Nursing Director and Director of Nursing and negotiated that I come into work 3 days a week and work from home the other 2 days. My Nursing Director agreed to a 3 month trial.
The trial period was an eye-opener for me. I was able to stick to about 40 hours a week and actually got more work done. I was feeling less lethargic and stress.
I cleared more work and was able to contribute more to the organisation as work was done in a timelier manner. Productivity and output increased.
At the end of the trial period, everyone was happy with the arrangement and it continued indefinitely.
In 2007, I have moved on from RPH to the Department of Health. I was able to negotiate to continue my flexible working arrangements and having a balance between work and home.