In response to urban congestion, the Queensland Government is applying a flexible workplace program to various Brisbane CBD companies as
In response to urban congestion, the Queensland Government is applying a flexible workplace program to various Brisbane CBD companies as of today.
The four-week pilot consists of three initiatives, including a compressed working week, flexible hours and telecommuting.
Staff participating in the compressed working week will continue their total hours, yet have their standard week reduced to four days or fortnight to nine days.
The flexible hours option will stagger starting times, whereby staff work before 7am or after 9am, and finish before 4pm or after 6pm.
When applying the telecommuting option, employees are enabled to work from home.
Transport Minister Rachel Nolan says the month-long flexible workplace pilot will ease congestion and promote a better work-life balance.
“This pilot program will challenge employers to increase flexibility in working hours and lifestyle,” she says.
“Additionally, it will decrease the daily number of trips into the city and reduce congestion.
“In-line with our Q2 plan for Tomorrow’s Queensland, the Bligh Government is taking action to ensure our region remains the liveable place it is now for future generations.”
The Department of Transport and Main Roads is offering incentives to participants, such as a $500 bicycle and charged go cards.
Participants have already been surveyed to identify current travel and working patterns.
Following the conclusion of the pilot on June 26, barriers or benefits of the initiative will be measured to determine its success.
There are a number of government departments and private organisations based in the Brisbane CBD and surrounding suburbs that are participating in the program.
These include the Department of: Transport and Main Roads, Public Works, Premier and Cabinet Public Service Commission, Justice and Attorney-General, Infrastructure and Planning, Environment and Resource Management and Queensland Treasury.
Other organisations include the Brisbane City Council, KPMG, Hyder Consulting, GHD, AECOM, Transfield Services, Currie and Brown, ETM Search and Selection, Sinclair Knight Merz, Queensland University of Technology and Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland.