However the key word to most work practices over the past 20yrs & for the future is flexibility. Flexibility allows an employee to move from the traditional 9 to 5 week working pattern to one where hours & location are more suitable to fit both the employee's individual circumstances, family commitments & business requirements. When an employer allows workers to work as they choose it is called "flexi-time". For example, a person may choose to work nine hrs a day for four days, & then have a three-day weekend. If they prefer shorter days they may choose to work six-hour days & only have one-day weekend. These work options allow people the flexibility they need to more adequately balance their working lives with their private lives. Individuals with families are able to balance family commitments & individuals who are also in training or study can balance them with work. Employers also gain from flexible work hours as employees who have a balance with multiple role expectations will be less stress, have reduced sick days & produce higher productivity. All of which manage the well being of the individual's & families involved. .
The very nature of workplace culture can affect an individual's well-being. A supportive workplace culture can encourage positive well-being amongst all workers, often resulting in a more productive organization benefiting both employer & employee. .
Employers happy with the level of work may provide employees the opportunity to take on further training/study whilst still being paid to heighten their knowledge & multi-skilling them. This is supported by the Industrial Relations Act 1991, which introduced greater scope for enterprise bargaining whereby an employee can negotiate with their employer on training opportunities, pay, & work conditions. Positive work culture leading to higher productivity may enable the business to grow & support the employees" needs by introducing such schemes such as child minding services & breast -feeding facilities.
