Management unbending on workplace flexibility

Up to 40 per cent of white-collar workers say they would turn down a job offer if it did not include flexible conditions.

A white paper canvassing the opinions of thousands of white-collar workers in Australia and New Zealand has found that up to 40 per cent would turn down a job offer if it did not include flexible conditions.

The Robert Walters white paper notes that only a third of employers promoted flexible working conditions when advertising for staff, despite 88 per cent of jobseekers more likely to consider a flexible role.

Robert Walters managing director James Nicholson says organisations sometimes have seen flexibility as a perk, overlooking the link between loyalty gains and increased productivity, and this runs counter to the rise in mothers returning to work.

“Flexible working is not only beneficial for wellbeing, commitment and efficiency in the workplace, it also lends a competitive edge to your recruitment strategies,” Nicholson says.

AIM’s new Pich

The Australian Institute of Management Group has appointed senior human relations expert David Pich as its new chief executive. He will work closely with Daniel Musson as the chief executive of AIM education and training.

Cambridge-educated Pich has worked in the corporate and not-for-profit sector for 20 years, including roles at Cadbury, Hewlett-Packard, PwC and CanTeen.

AIM provides more than 80 training programs for 25,000 professionals annually.

Kids a career killer

A Morgan McKinley poll of 873 professionals has found 72 per cent of women believe having a child affects their ability to achieve career goals, and 53 per cent of men agree.

The poll focused on mid and senior-level female managers and revealed that, despite a pro-diversity emphasis, initiatives and policies, Australian boardrooms continue to be predominantly occupied by men.

The research also found 80 per cent of organisations offer flexible conditions, 30 per cent of respondents have chosen not to apply for a promotion over the past year and 60 per cent feel they would not be able to achieve a suitable work-life balance in a more senior role.

Joint managing director Vanessa Harding-Farrenberg says the findings highlight a mismatch: organisations have flexible work programs but women are often reluctant to apply for senior roles.

Aon targets women

Aon has launched the second instalment of its entrepreneurs in residence program. The first was launched in the US last July.

The program targets high-growth companies led by women and sees Aon partnering with Springboard Enterprises to select businesses that will benefit from their networks. IntelligenceBank is its first Australian partner.

Aon Risk Solutions Australia chief executive Lambros Lambrou says the program highlights Aon’s commitment to diversity and inclusiveness.

Springboard Enterprises Australia chairwoman Topaz Conway says the program will demonstrate what women-led companies can achieve.

Upwork launch

Freelance talent market Elance-oDesk has relaunched as Upwork. Upwork says nearly 30 per cent of the Australian workforce freelanced last year and businesses spent close to $69 million hiring through Elance-oDesk. Upwork recorded a 20 per cent rise in freelance registrations in the first quarter this year.

Chief executive Stephane Kasriel says freelancers will earn $10 billion annually via Upwork within six years.