The Works Sydney Launches Employer-Funded Childcare Bonus Policy
One of Australia's leading independent creative
agencies, The Works, has today announced the launch of its
Employer-Funded Childcare Bonus policy that will offer parents returning
to work from parental leave $100 per day for childcare services for a
period of six months, effective 1 July 2016.
The innovative
policy is part of the third phase of the agency's family first
initiative with the initial phases centered around flexible work
arrangements and reward and recognition programs. The policy which is
thought to be an industry first is available to employees that have been
employed with the agency for two years with 31% of the employees
eligible to access the policy as of 1 July 2016 which will increase by
20% in 2017.
With an average price of $96 per day for childcare in New South Wales the Employer-Funded Childcare Bonus will not be aligned with any one childcare service allowing staff to best select what suits their schedules and location.
Says Macmillan: "Parents need as much flexibility as possible when it comes to their kids, we wanted to ensure the parents were the decision makers, whether that is a nanny, early childcare center or their parents we want to support that decision and respect that everyone's situation differs."
The policy which is available to the child's primary care giver is set to offer parents the opportunity to continue to pursue their careers while still being able to utulise flexible work hours to accommodate their required schedules.
Says Macmillan: "We currently have 32% of our staff working part-time after returning from maternity leave who have all supported the policy saying that childcare is one of the major hurdles in returning to work due to the costs associated."
Additional to the Employer-Funded Childcare Bonus, The Works have also announced a 30% increase to its education and development budget as part of the human resource strategy for 2016.
