The flexible work guiding principles
This section outlines the flexible work guiding principles and their meanings.
Flexibility is valued and supported which means:
- the case for flexibility in schools is understood and supported
- planning and decision-making occur with an open mind and can-do attitude to flexibility
- principals apply a strategic and proactive approach to flexible work and employee worklife balance
- principals use supportive management skills — communication, feedback, mentoring, trust, respect and consistency
Flexibility aligns with the achievement of school outcomes which means:
- the achievement of school goals is a priority, it must be addressed in flexible work decision-making and work design and scheduling
- the impact on all stakeholders is understood
Flexibility is a two-way process — considering individual and school needs which means:
- flexibility requires organisational accountability and individual responsibility
- leaders put teaching and learning at the heart of decision-making
- employees take responsibility for positive outcomes in their written proposals and collaborate to make implementation work. Flexibility should not be a barrier to career progression
Flexibility is available to all employees, and decisions are made on a case-by-case basis which means:
- flexibility for work-life balance is an option for all employees (this includes men, women, school leaders) but case-by-case decisions based on individual, organisational and legal considerations are required
- an equitable process does not mean that all requests for flexible work will result in the same outcome
Flexibility requires open communication and transparent, fair and sound decision making which means:
- information on flexible work options is widely circulated
- an open conversation is critical for evaluation and assessment of requests for flexible work arrangements; however, the final decision rests with the principal
- documentation of key outcomes from discussions is important to avoid future misunderstandings
Flexibility requires room for review and change which means:
- flexible arrangements must be able to be altered, to meet changing circumstances in the school or for the employee flexible arrangements need to be regularly reviewed
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