Shift work & rostering conference

20-21 February 2008

Shift work in the 21st Century

• Variety of patterns – 4 x 10 hours; two days on, two off

• 24/7 society

• Only the transport industry has laws specifically regulating length of shifts

Changing work patterns

Growth in numbers of shift workers:

• 40% work variable hours• 18% do shift work• 27% routinely work some hours

from 10pm-6am

(2007 DOL Work life Balance in New Zealand – A snapshot of employee and employer attitudes and experiences)

Work-life balance – a business issue

• Becoming increasingly important to employers and employees

• Why have it?– Improved recruitment,

retention and productivity– Flexible work patterns to

meet employee/business needs

• Barriers and solutions • Work & Life Awards

Shift workers and work-life balance

• Shift work can impact on social relations and personal commitments and interests

• Shift work also offers many people the opportunity to manage personal demands and meet commitments

Labour force participation rates

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Labour force participation rate forthose aged 55 years and over

% of working-age population

NZ

Sweden

US

Australia

The changing age profile of labour

Work and age survey

• Online survey April 2006• Over 6,000 respondents• Majority in 45-64 age group, 5% 65+, 12% under

35• 34% male, 56% female, 10% no detail• 71% NZ European/Pakeha, 8% Maori, 10% other• 84% employed, 9.2% self-employed, 6.7% retired

Work and age survey

What would encourage older workers to keep working

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70

Quality part-time work

Job share

Flexible working hours

Ability to work more hours

Ability to work from home

Higher pay

More training at work

More rewarding work

More supportive workplace culture

Ability to take extended leave, then return to work

Contract or casual work

Other

None of these

percentage

currently working

already retired

Meet staff needs to meet business needs

“Whilst the primary function of a roster is to meet the business needs … if you do not meet the staff needs the business will suffer….. the best roster is one that staff support”

Shiftwork Services 2002

www.shiftwork.co.nz

Leading the way

Manufacturing company

ABB Kinleith

New Zealand Police

Steelbro

Meredith Connell

ABB Kinleith

• Two structured rosters: four 10-hour days and five 8-hour days

• Employees can work either roster or swap between them

• Emphasis on work-life balance and community involvement

• Results include: – Decreased sick leave– Improved production– Improved labour relationship

NZ Police Force – Retaining committed people

• Approximately 3.3% workforce are shift workers aged 55+ - 24/7 operation

• Shift work roles include general duties, communications, shift typists, shift watchhouse

• Training and development is a priority for all staff

Steelbro – product knowledge critical

• Specialised product - 30%-40% of the global market in its niche

• Emphasis on retaining wealth of knowledge

• Reduced and flexible hours available, particularly for older employees

Meredith Connell – skilled staff, demanding work

• Winner of 2006 EEO Trust Work & Life Awards

• Specialised employees required for demanding work

• Older workers hold valuable corporate knowledge/history

What the EEO Trust brings

• Provides information and tools on EEO to raise awareness of diversity issues in the workplace.

• Assists employers to introduce and manage proven EEO thinking and practices

www.eeotrust.org.nz