'It's a work in progress, but so far, we've gotten amazing results,' says people experience specialist
Amid the emerging trend of quiet vacationing, a city council in Australia has adopted a contemporary approach to flexibility to become a recognised leader in innovation.
The Redland City Council is granting employees a benefit called RedFlex, which offers employees the flexibility on how, when, and where they work.
Sarah Raftery, people experience specialist at the council, said the benefit is all about improving the overall balance between work and personal life.
"Some people work flexibly because they have a disability. It's a work in progress, but so far, we've gotten amazing results," Raftery told HRD.
According to Raftery, one of the benefits RedFlex offers is enabling employees to use their annual leave more strategically.
"We had someone who had already planned a holiday, and we weren't able to backfill the position, so they offered to work while they were on holiday. RedFlex allowed them to work internationally. It's for the employee, but it benefits the business too," she said.
This comes amid the emerging "quiet vacationing" trend, where employees work remotely from holiday locations without notifying their employers.
Another benefit from RedFlex is allowing a smoother transition for employees returning to work or retiring.
"Instead of retiring as soon as they hit the retirement age of 65, they might work on a few more years because they can do a transition to retirement," Raftery said.
Shane Hackett, council group manager, said RedFlex assisted an employee return to work after having her first child.
"So, she will come back engaged in the workforce, earning money for herself, her baby and her family, while I get a worker back," Hackett said.
The RedFlex initiative is just one of the factors why the Redland City Council's People, Culture, and Organisational Performance became one of the Best HR Teams for Innovation in Australia. Read Find out who else made it on the list here.
