A Guide to Managing an Ageing Workforce - Public Sector ...

3.5 Flexible Work Practices
Flexible work practices is a broad term which covers a wide variety of working patterns, benefits and facilities
in the workplace that allow staff to balance their work and life commitments while meeting the employers’
expectations. Choice and mobility are key workforce motivators xx . Flexible work may suit mature age
employees who wish to work reduced hours, or have more flexibility to meet caring responsibilities or lifestyle
preferences.
The Retirement Intentions Survey (2006) xxi found that:
• 93% of survey respondents were interested in some form of flexible working arrangements
• a gradual reduction in hours over a number of years leading up to retirement was the most preferred
flexible work arrangement
• one of the most common barriers to working beyond eligible retirement age was the inability to access
greater flexibility in work arrangements
Flexible work practices can help attract and retain employees xxii and have been shown to have positive effects
for both employers and employees. Other benefits include:
• a positive employer branding
• increased job satisfaction
• greater ability to manage knowledge loss
Some examples of flexible work arrangements that may be desirable for mature age employees are:
• flexible working hours - variations to starting and finishing times, number of hours worked per day
• telecommuting or home based work - working a portion of usual hours regularly at home, or working from
home or an emergency or casual basis
• part-time work or job sharing
• purchased leave
• deferred salary scheme - 5th year break
• using annual leave and long service leave flexibly
18
A Guide to Managing an Ageing Workforce
www.publicsector.wa.gov.au