Labour Minister Margaret Wilson today announced the start of a major consultation exercise aimed at developing a work-life balance programme.
The Government in August set up an inter-agency steering group to co-ordinate policies that promoted a work-life balance. The group would ensure research and policy development on the issue by government agencies was co-ordinated.
Ms Wilson, releasing a cabinet paper on the issue and announcing the start of consultation, said there was growing evidence introducing work-life balance policies could be "win-win" for employers and employees.
"Employers are reporting benefits such as improved recruitment and retention rates, reduced absenteeism and increased job satisfaction as a result of their policies," she said.
"The Equal Employment Opportunities Trust's work and life awards show us there are already enlightened businesses out there in New Zealand who are starting to reap the benefits of operating work-life balance policies."
The consultation would look at what helped people balance the demands of paid work and life outside it.
Initial consultation would be with key stakeholder and community organisations, followed by discussions with the public next February.
"We want to accurately reflect the different realities people face and to get feedback on factors that help people achieve some measure of work-life balance," Ms Wilson said.
"We want people to identify examples of good practice that could be of use to others and to tell us about it."
- NZPA
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