flexible

An increasingly optimistic view of the future of work is emerging, countering concerns about automation and workforce flexibility eroding opportunities for permanent employment.

The Tax Office has established a special recruitment stream for refugees, military veterans, and people who want to work part-time — particularly if they have a good excuse like caregiving responsibilities.

Staff shouldn’t need a good excuse like caring responsibilities to go part-time or make use of other kinds of flexible work arrangements, argue researchers Meraiah Foley and Sue Williamson. This stigmatises those who do use them.

As technological and social change speeds up, leaders need to integrate the expertise of financial and operational teams and loosen their grip on power, says deputy Australian Public Service commissioner Stephanie Foster.

Beat the battery farm: bureaucrats can release their inner chook. The Commonwealth is inviting public servants to go “free range” to increase workforce mobility. A pool of mobile staff is the latest agile idea gaining traction.

Clear leadership in embracing diversity has led to a larger and stronger field of job applicants at DELWP, says Claire Foo. The only female CIO in a Victorian government department argues women need to back themselves more often.