Flex-appeal goes a long way towards workplace happiness
It’s no surprise priorities have clearly shifted across all demographics in the workplace* and businesses are rapidly changing to keep up with meeting the challenges around work life balance as well as achieving diversity and workforce participation.
Pushing the boundaries a little further, Grant Thornton is excited to announce three leading initiatives to respond to these challenges and break the mould to create a great experience for their people so they are inspired to deliver great outcomes for clients:
- First corporate in Australia to challenge outdated legislation by providing early access to long service leave
- Industry leading paid parental leave program, moving to 26 weeks paid parental leave
- Embracing ‘Flexibility’, empowering all its people with the opportunity to work flexibly
“We’re serious about creating a distinctive people experience that will drive exceptional outcomes for our clients,” said Greg Keith, CEO, Grant Thornton Australia.
Leading Australia’s corporate agenda and recognising outdated legislation, Grant Thornton will provide its people with an innovative leave option set to disrupt the market and set new standards.
Those who have been with the firm for at least two years will have an extra week’s leave per year through early access to their long service leave.
“Workforce demographics and the needs of our people are shifting and we are not afraid to adapt to these changes. We are creating an environment that really meets the needs of our people,” said Mr Keith.
Setting new standards in the industry Grant Thornton operates within; the advisory firm announced a leading paid parental leave scheme, offering 20 weeks paid leave for the primary carer, effective immediately further increasing that commitment to 26 weeks paid leave for the primary carer effective 1st May 2017.
In addition, secondary carer’s paid parental leave has also increased to two weeks, effective immediately.
“We’re committed to our people and we care deeply about them and their families. The new parental leave program allows us to provide our people with the opportunity to give both their families and careers the attention they deserve,” said Mr Keith.
The advisory firm has further announced that it is providing all people the opportunity to work flexibly. Fostering a fun and innovative environment, the policy, dubbed ‘GT Flex-appeal’ seeks to make space for its people to achieve everything they aspire to. By encouraging conversations across the firm, the policy opens up consideration of various types of working arrangements. These arrangements meet the needs of the firm and its clients, while also supporting its people in simultaneously achieving their work and personal goals.
“Flexibility in all roles is fundamental in allowing our people to balance their work and personal commitments. This will become increasingly more important in catering to the needs of our future leaders - millennials that highly value workplace flexibility. Only organisations that embrace workplace flexibility will attract and retain the best people in the market,” said Mr Keith.
Forming part of the firm’s 2020 strategy, these initiatives are aimed to continue to foster a vibrant and innovative place to work for its people. Grant Thornton believes a fantastic people experience is the cornerstone of an exceptional client experience.
"Our clients benefit most when our people are engaged, energised and enthusiastic. We’re growing authentic and inclusive leaders that encourage our people to perform to their full potential and deliver compelling client experiences,” said Mr Keith.
* Australian Nielsen Connected Consumers Report, 2016: Spending time with family and achieving fitness and wellbeing ranked ahead of a fulfilling career across all demographics (baby boomers, gen x and millennials)