25-March-2009
Goldstein Media Releases, Community, Funding
Both small businesses and working families in Bayside will reap benefits through the Federal Government’s Fresh Ideas for Work and Family grants program.
The program is designed to help employees balance their work and family obligations and to assist small businesses improve employee retention and productivity.
Grants of $5,000 to $15,000 are available. Eligible businesses can apply for funding at all stages of development of family friendly initiatives. The current funding round will close on 24 April 2009.
“Striking a work-life balance is essential. This includes making time for work, family, friends, health, relaxation, cultural and community activities, and socialisation.
“This program provides small businesses with the opportunity to provide family friendly arrangements that suit the individual needs of the business,” Andrew Robb, Federal Member for Goldstein, said.
Some examples of family friendly work arrangements include:
• Establishing rosters based on school terms and alternative core hours, for example, 10am to 3pm.
• Establishing quality part-time work or job-sharing opportunities.
• Developing policies regarding unpaid leave for employees who care for children with disabilities, elderly relatives or people with other special needs.
• Providing facilities such as family rooms for employees with young children.
• Establishing a workplace mentoring program.
Applications will be accepted from small businesses in Australia with fewer than 15 employees, not for profit and non government organisations, consortia of small businesses, and sole traders and incorporated sole traders that employ between 1 and 14 employees.
Further information on family friendly work arrangements, work-life balance and the program is available on the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations website: http://www.deewr.gov.au/WorkplaceRelations/FreshIdeas/Pages/default.aspx
You may also call the Workplace Infoline on 1300 363 264 from 8am to 7pm Monday to Friday or email FIWF@deewr.gov.au.
Media contact: Skye Buttenshaw, 9557 4644