How to write a flexible work proposal
Step 1
Ask your employer if policies exist around flexible work arrangements in your workplace. If so, confirm what process will need to be followed to request a flexible work arrangement.
Step 2
Let your manager know that you would like to explore flexible work arrangements that may be available to you, and explain that you will submitting a proposal that outlines your ideas.
Step 3
Review your core job tasks and responsibilities. Consider how your job could be redesigned to accommodate a flexible work arrangement. Propose at least two alternate flexible work arrangements you think would be feasible. Identify and outline the benefits of the flexible work solutions you are proposing and how you will address any potential downsides. If appropriate at this stage, ask your manager for input and ideas. Keeping your manager in the loop makes it an inclusive process. Remember, negotiating flexibility means that both parties will need to compromise.
Step 4
Once you have considered all your options, formalise your plan in writing and submit it to your manager. See negotiating with employers tips.
Step 5
Arrange a meeting with your manager to discuss your Flexible Work Proposal and negotiate what will be feasible. Consider agreeing to a trial arrangement and evaluate how it will work for you and your employer.
Types of questions you need to ask and address in your proposal
• Days/Hours you would like to work and the location
• Detail how you envisage the flexible work arrangement working
• How your current job tasks and responsibilities will be impacted
• The benefits that will be achieved by working flexibility
• How the downsides can be minimised
• What support and technology will be required to make it work
For help and more info contact mums@work 02 9967 8377 or info@mumsatwork.com.au
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Career After Kids Seminar - Sydney 24th Feb 2010
'Career After Kids' seminar is exclusive to parents returning to work, seeking career guidance or improved work life happiness.
• 2.5hr practical seminar run by career experts
• Speak to a career coach about your situation
• Re-evaluate your job options
• Create the work-life change you seek
• Free Return to Work Toolkit
• Learn how to plan an negotiate a flexible work arrangement
Enrol now or contact info@mumsatwork.com.au | 02 9967 8377
New Career, New Life, New You
• 2.5hr practical seminar run by career experts
• Speak to a career coach about your situation
• Re-evaluate your job options
• Create the work-life change you seek
• Free Return to Work Toolkit
• Learn how to plan an negotiate a flexible work arrangement
Enrol now or contact info@mumsatwork.com.au | 02 9967 8377
New Career, New Life, New You
Saturday, January 2, 2010
2010 New 'Right to Request' Flexible Work may backfire on mums?
Tell us what you think? Do you think the new 'right to request' a flexible work arrangement as part of the 2010 National Employment Standards will have a negative or positive effect for mums when negotiating their return to work?
Only 4 days old, the new 'right to request' flexible work legislation; although largely heralded by supporters as a breakthrough for working parents, is already attracting controversy. The SMH today reported that the new right to request flexibility may 'backfire' rather than benefit working parents caring for under school age children or with a disability. Full Article.
The UK has had similar legislation in place since 2002; find out more about the UK experience and learning.
Only 4 days old, the new 'right to request' flexible work legislation; although largely heralded by supporters as a breakthrough for working parents, is already attracting controversy. The SMH today reported that the new right to request flexibility may 'backfire' rather than benefit working parents caring for under school age children or with a disability. Full Article.
The UK has had similar legislation in place since 2002; find out more about the UK experience and learning.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Job Description of a Mum
Position: Mother, Mum, Mama, Mummy, Ma
Long term, team players needed, for challenging permanent work in an,often chaotic environment. Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts on call. Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities. Travel expenses not reimbursed. Extensive courier duties also required.
Responsibilities: The rest of your life. Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs $5. Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly. Also, must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf.
Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets and stuck zippers. Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production of multiple homework projects.
Must have ability to plan and organise social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks.
Must be willing to be indispensable one minute, an embarrassment the next. Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices. Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the end product. Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility. Read more.
Long term, team players needed, for challenging permanent work in an,often chaotic environment. Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts on call. Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities. Travel expenses not reimbursed. Extensive courier duties also required.
Responsibilities: The rest of your life. Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs $5. Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly. Also, must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf.
Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets and stuck zippers. Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production of multiple homework projects.
Must have ability to plan and organise social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks.
Must be willing to be indispensable one minute, an embarrassment the next. Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices. Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the end product. Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility. Read more.
5 Steps to Find a Flexible Job
Step 1: Review your career aspirations and flexibility requirements using our 'Return to Work Toolkit'. What do you want to do and what type of flexibility will you need? Write down what your skills are; what are you good at and do you enjoy doing? Consider your flexibility needs, jot down at least two flexible work options you’d be prepared to trial eg: 3 days a week 9-5 or 5 days a week 10-2 etc. Create a short-list and research the most suitable and attractive job ads that fit your criteria via online job boards such as www.careermums.com.au and via recruitment agencies and newspapers and then evaluate the skills that employers are looking for. Register with mums@work and access a career consultant to discuss your career add flexible work options – ask about our career coaching, training and recruitment service.
Step 2: Know your return to work ‘right to request’ a flexible work arrangement entitlements. They include:
• Parental leave: Employees will have the ability to request a second 12 months of unpaid leave, so 24 months in total. Currently it is only 12 months.
• Right to request flexibility: An employee who is a parent of or has responsibility for a child under school age can request flexible working hours. An employer may refuse on 'reasonable business grounds'. The request and refusal must be in writing and provide reasons.
Step 3: Prepare to negotiate with your current employer if you are planning to return after parental leave by writing a flexible work proposal. Alternatively, if you’re looking to start something new or prepare for job hunting by reviewing our handy job hunting tips and update your resume using our resume services. If you would like a free appraisal of your resume, send it to info@mumsatwork.com.au. When updating your resume, think about the activities you have been doing whilst raising your children and record these on your resume as ‘unpaid or volunteer work’. For example, raising money for a school fete or charity involves promotion, event management, negotiation, communication, marketing business development, and marketing skills. Job description of a mum.
Step 4: Find family friendly employers. Who are they? Is there one close to you? See our where to look guide. The Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency (EOWA) promotes women-friendly organisations with equal opportunity programs that recognise and advance their female workforce. Similarly, the National Work and Family Awards recognise private, public and community sector organisations with outstanding flexible working arrangements that meet the needs of the business and its employees. Visit either www.eowa.gov.au or www.workplace.gov.au for a list of family friendly and flexible employers in your state. Apply direct if you'd like to work work for one of these employers. We recommend KPMG, Johnson & Johnson Medical, Malleson Stephen Jaques as progressive workplaces supporting parents.
Step 5: Connect to flexible work providers and social networks. Ensure that you register your name and details with mums@work so we can connect you with family friendly jobs and other job channels to ensure you have broad coverage. Job boards and Agencies that we know and recommend are:
Careermums – www.careermums.com.au
Nine2Three – www.nine2three.com.au
Priorities – www.priorities.com.au
Seed Recruitment – www.seedrecruitment.com.au
Finally don’t forget to tell people in your family and friends network that you are returning to work and to look out for suitable opportunities – the best jobs are often sourced via people we know. Another great idea is to join online social media and networking sites such as www.linkedin.com and www.linkme.com.au. These channels allow you to register your professional details online for potential employers to access and make contact with you.
Find out more via our free job guidance hotline at www.mumsatwork.com.au
Step 2: Know your return to work ‘right to request’ a flexible work arrangement entitlements. They include:
• Parental leave: Employees will have the ability to request a second 12 months of unpaid leave, so 24 months in total. Currently it is only 12 months.
• Right to request flexibility: An employee who is a parent of or has responsibility for a child under school age can request flexible working hours. An employer may refuse on 'reasonable business grounds'. The request and refusal must be in writing and provide reasons.
Step 3: Prepare to negotiate with your current employer if you are planning to return after parental leave by writing a flexible work proposal. Alternatively, if you’re looking to start something new or prepare for job hunting by reviewing our handy job hunting tips and update your resume using our resume services. If you would like a free appraisal of your resume, send it to info@mumsatwork.com.au. When updating your resume, think about the activities you have been doing whilst raising your children and record these on your resume as ‘unpaid or volunteer work’. For example, raising money for a school fete or charity involves promotion, event management, negotiation, communication, marketing business development, and marketing skills. Job description of a mum.
Step 4: Find family friendly employers. Who are they? Is there one close to you? See our where to look guide. The Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency (EOWA) promotes women-friendly organisations with equal opportunity programs that recognise and advance their female workforce. Similarly, the National Work and Family Awards recognise private, public and community sector organisations with outstanding flexible working arrangements that meet the needs of the business and its employees. Visit either www.eowa.gov.au or www.workplace.gov.au for a list of family friendly and flexible employers in your state. Apply direct if you'd like to work work for one of these employers. We recommend KPMG, Johnson & Johnson Medical, Malleson Stephen Jaques as progressive workplaces supporting parents.
Step 5: Connect to flexible work providers and social networks. Ensure that you register your name and details with mums@work so we can connect you with family friendly jobs and other job channels to ensure you have broad coverage. Job boards and Agencies that we know and recommend are:
Careermums – www.careermums.com.au
Nine2Three – www.nine2three.com.au
Priorities – www.priorities.com.au
Seed Recruitment – www.seedrecruitment.com.au
Finally don’t forget to tell people in your family and friends network that you are returning to work and to look out for suitable opportunities – the best jobs are often sourced via people we know. Another great idea is to join online social media and networking sites such as www.linkedin.com and www.linkme.com.au. These channels allow you to register your professional details online for potential employers to access and make contact with you.
Find out more via our free job guidance hotline at www.mumsatwork.com.au
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