The survey was conducted after a directive from Public Services Minister Nicola Willis in September for tighter flexible work guidelines for government agencies. The survey results will inform the PSA’s feedback on draft Flexible Work Guidance being developed by Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission.
Benefits of flexible working
The survey found that 85% of public service worker members who responded said they worked from home at least one day a week. It also showed they found working from home improves productivity, with:
- 85% of survey respondents saying it enabled them to get more work done, and
- 78% of respondents saying it improved the performance of the organisation they worked for.
Other benefits identified included increased motivation, reduced commuting stress, and having more control over their work environment.
The survey reinforces the PSA’s view that the Government should step back from reining in working from home, says Acting National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons.
“Our members are saying loudly and clearly that flexible working makes a positive difference to their productivity, which is why it should be supported and not curtailed,” Fleur says.
Follow the evidence
“This Government talks repeatedly about improving outcomes and making evidence-based decisions. The survey is exactly that – it shows that flexible work practices are good for organisations and the outcomes the Government wants from the public service.
“We urge the Government to listen to this evidence, and the considerable international research that shows that flexible work practices are now firmly established and make a difference to organisational culture and performance.
“Many public service workers already have flexible working built into the employment agreements that have been negotiated by unions and employers. The Government can’t just disregard negotiated employment agreements.
“Workers have made decisions around their family life based on these agreements, and its particularly important for our disabled, or chronically ill kaimahi. Flexible work arrangements make it easier for those who face challenges being in the office every day to have rewarding and productive 40-hour weeks.
Flexible working embraced worldwide
“One of the worrying findings of the survey is that even before the new guidelines have been established, one in three workers are saying their employer is already taking steps to restrict flexible working.
“But limiting flexible work practices is out of step with practice in workplaces around the world that have embraced flexible working, because of its many benefits for employers. These benefits included enhanced recruitment and retention of staff, better productivity, and improved staff wellbeing.
“Forcing public service workers back into CBDs an extra day or so a week to buy a cup of coffee or sandwich, won’t cure the ills the Government is inflicting on the local economy by laying off thousands of public service workers across the country,” Fleur says.