Ministerial Statement: Better work/life balance a winner with workers

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Minister for Transport
The Honourable Rachel Nolan
27/08/2009

Better work/life balance a winner with workers

Participants in a recent month-long flexible workplace pilot aimed at reducing traffic congestion indicated taking part was a reward in itself.

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan congratulated participants in the pilot at an award ceremony in Brisbane last night and highlighted the personal benefits the study revealed.

"The purpose of this pilot was to trial flexible workplace solutions to help address congestion and the results show a 34 per cent reduction in morning peak hour travel and a 32 per cent reduction in afternoon peak hour travel," Ms Nolan said.

"The personal benefits were the real revelation though - 87 per cent of participants experienced an improvement in their work/life balance and 92 per cent of participants would like to continue working flexibly.

"Results from the pilot have been positive, showing both an increase in productivity plus more time for family and lifestyle."

Ms Nolan said it was important to recognise the significant contributions made by companies who participated in the innovative workplace trial.

"As a result of this pilot program, we are already looking at promoting flexible workplace practices in government, and throughout the CBD business community," Ms Nolan said.

"Commuting outside of peak times, or telecommuting, can make a significant impact to the levels of congestion in south east Queensland.

"Improved travel experience, including less traffic, was cited as the number one benefit by pilot participants.

"By encouraging working from home or staggering work hours, we can ease traffic congestion and promote a better work-life balance."

Ms Nolan said that as part of the Queensland Government's Climate Smart initiative launched earlier this month, a new TravelSmart Workplaces project would also be targeted at Queensland's workforces to further reduce congestion.

"TravelSmart Workplaces is a $4.7 million project to engage major Queensland workplaces in developing sustainable transport options for staff," Ms Nolan said.

"TravelSmart officers will work with management and staff in major workplaces such as hospitals, universities, business centres and sports stadiums to develop sustainable travel plans that suit their needs.

"These plans will be designed to encourage people to replace some of their car trips with walking, jogging, cycling or public transport.

"While the Queensland Government is investing $17 billion in building transport infrastructure, we simply can't build our way out of congestion - it's just as important to use the existing services and assets smarter and look at other ways to ease congestion."

The Queensland Government coordinated the pilot, which included 20 CBD based organisations, made up of public and private businesses.

Private

KPMG
Hyder Consulting
GHD
AECOM
Transfield Services
Currie & Brown
ETM Search and Selection
Sinclair Knight Merz (SKM)
Queensland University of Technology
Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland
Mirvac

Government

Department of Public Works (including CITEC and QBuild)
Department of Premier and Cabinet
Public Service Commission
Department of Justice and Attorney-General
Queensland Treasury
Department of Environment and Resource Management
Department of Community Safety
Brisbane City Council
Department of Transport and Main Roads


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