The ultimate flexible, family-friendly, healthy and sustainable workplace - Yawarra Information Appliances Pty Ltd

We've created a workplace where our staff LOVE coming to work!
1. They get to work the hours that suit them
2. They get to share the load
3. They get to bring their kids (yes, really!)
4. They can walk (or ride) to work
5. They get to eat delicious and awesomely healthy food
6. They get to contribute to a more sustainable future for our world
Does it get any better than this?
Oh yes, and we pay really well too!

What motivated you to set up a health and wellbeing program?

This is not a "program" for us, it is a way of life. Our previous experiences as employees prompted us to create the kind of workplace that we always wanted for ourselves! We started this business when our youngest child was born, to give us a good work-life balance, and this philosophy has continued into our workplace. Every business decision we make takes into the people it affects - especially our staff. We know that our business is only as good as our staff, so we work hard to make sure that they love coming to work.

What does your program involve?

Our staff are permanent, part-time, with flexible hours. They work regular hours, not set hours, to fit around family. All core jobs can be done by more than one person, so taking time off is easy. Our staff bring their young children to work every day, where they have a dedicated playroom. Our premises are close to the homes of all our staff, and we encourage them to walk or ride to work. We share healthy food at breaks, including raw vegan treats and green smoothies! Our workplace and products are sustainable, and our staff love making the world greener.

What did you do to promote the program?

We've never had to explicitly promote our program, because it was developed in response to the needs of our staff. We discuss issues and clarify guidelines at our regular staff meetings, but most of the time we just create solutions as needed, in consultation with staff. Our small staff base makes it easy to ensure that everyone is informed, and being part of the same local community, our staff also tend to talk about work between themselves outside of hours, which seems to ensure that everyone is aware of the many positive aspects of our workplace approach.

Who participated in the program?

All of our staff, including the proprietors, are parents with school-aged children and younger. Every single one of our staff members has benefited from the flexibility and well-being inherent in our workplace. In fact, it would be impossible to work for us, and not participate, because this is just "the way we do things".

What was the impact of the program and how was this measured?

Our staff have expressed their appreciation on many occasions for the quality of workplace that we have created for them, and they are very loyal and committed to their roles. It is evident that our staff give 110% every day, and even more sometimes! We have no quantitative measures of our success, but our staff tell us that they love coming to work, and we certainly all enjoy healthy working relationships, which extend beyond the business. Through our interactions, we take care of each other and everyone's families, and motivate each other to better health, balance and fulfilment.

*Disclaimer:
The publishing of entries on the WorkSafe Awards website and or/the granting of an award does not constitute any endorsement by WorkSafe Victoria of a product, method or service, or the occupational health and safety performance of the workplace. Monthly Champions must undergo expert review to progress through to the stringent validation and judging process and can only progress to the next stage of entry once WorkSafe are satisfied that the entry/entrant has met the relevant award category criteria and terms and condition of entry.

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