Ironing out the details of flexible working policies in 2023
Flexible working policies have gone from a perk to a default employee benefit. With progressive initiatives like work-from-anywhere and four-day weeks becoming routine, Mumbrella asked a few industry leaders about the logistics work in 2023.
Raechel Gavin: oOh!Media is moving to nine-day fortnights
Nine-day fortnight
The ASX-listed out-of-home company oOh!Media told Mumbrella that it’s adopting a nine-day fortnight, among other working options for employees in 2023. Raechel Gavin, the company’s chief people and culture officer, said those who choose the option could specify which day they wish to take off in the fortnight.
“We encourage transparent conversations to make sure that the flexibility works for not only the team member but also the leader, team, and business as a whole.”
Employees in most roles can opt into the schedule, and decide voluntarily whether this is the flexibility they want. When asked about whether this will pose challenges in managing task flows, Gavin said there is definitely the possibility.
“Before starting a flexible work arrangement we hold transparent conversations with our people to ensure they, and we as a business consider and understand any challenges that may arise and to make sure we are well prepared to work through them.
“As an organisation and individuals, we are constantly learning and reviewing what is working well and what we can do better. We want people and teams to enjoy the benefits and ensure the business is successful as well.”
Danny Lattouf
Work Anywhere
The General Store, among an array of media and marketing companies, has adopted a work-from-anywhere policy. For up to four weeks, employees can work from wherever they want in the world.
When asked about whether elements like time zones will negatively impact collaborations, partner and chief strategy officer, Danny Lattouf, said it will “ultimately be highly dependent on the role and project”, but so far the team has maintained great sustainability of productivity.
“Our team are working set hours based on ensuring as much crossover with the Australian timezone as possible and then over and above that making themselves available for key client meetings outside of those hours.
“With our team embracing the opportunity with such commitment to making it thrive, we’re encouraged for its future role in our operating (and liberating) rhythm.”
The agency hasn’t run into any tax complications or regulatory issues for employees working in another country, but there is another reach for setting the specific four-week timeframe.
“The timeframe was set to ensure we could maximise the opportunity for our team whilst ensuring we can maintain a rhythm as a collective locally. We feel four weeks empowers team members to find ways to pair annual leave and work from anywhere to extend the period as required,” Lattouf said.
He insisted The General Store is always willing to try out new things and better support its employees.
“As an example, we’ve recently, and for the first time, extended the offer to our team to swap out the Australia Day Public Holiday for any other day. It is our understanding that most do not feel this is a day for celebration and we support that freedom of perspective and choice.”
Pauly Grant
Employee house exchange
Meeting employees halfway is the key to the formation of flexible working policies, and in some companies, this means solving half of the headache of working in another city or country, that being accommodation. As a part of Publicis Groupe’s “Work Your World” framework, the holding company offered the ‘Home Swap Home’ option, where colleagues can exchange accommodation.
Its understood around 28,000 Publicis staff have taken an interest in “Work Your World”, with 11% of the ANZ staff choosing to trial it.
Publicis Groupe ANZ chief talent officer, Pauly Grant, said: “Our people choose to utilise Publicis ‘Work Your World’ and ‘Home Swap Home’ (our network’s version of Airbnb) for various reasons. Whether it be for visiting and reuniting with family, taking a working holiday, or even for a change in environment – these initiatives allow our people endless opportunities for growth and connection.
“Some of our people’s unique experiences have seen them work in places like Brazil, to Bali, and all around the world. Publicis’ Work your World and other flexible-working initiatives have been one of the key factors attracting people to Publicis agencies, and it has also been a key benefit for retention.”
If your company is taking a radical approach to working in 2023, please feel free to get in touch with Mumbrella.
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Darcy Song was a reporter at Mumbrella, covering media owners, adtech and social platforms. She left in October 2023.
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