|
|
|
|
Information
|
|
Commonwealth Bank of Australia
|
The Commonwealth Bank (the Bank) is one of Australia’s leading providers of
integrated financial services including retail, business and institutional
banking, funds management, superannuation, insurance, investment and broking
services. With more than 31,000 staff, the Commonwealth Bank is also one of
Australia's largest employers. In June 1994 12% of the Bank’s workforce was
made up of employees 45 years and over, by June 2004 this group had almost
doubled and accounted for 21% of the workforce. The Bank’s recruitment strategy
has also changed significantly, mature workers accounted for an average of 11%
of all new hires for the last four years compared to an average of 7%
previously (June 94 to June 2000).
The Commonwealth Bank has been aware of the ageing population and its
implications for the work force for some time and has commenced in depth
research into workforce trends. One of the major findings to emerge from this
study was that employees are interested in delaying retirement, providing they
have access to flexible hours. To address this finding the Commonwealth Bank
offer a range of flexible work practices which include:
Part-time work
As at March 2004, 6833 employees or 22% of the Bank’s total workforce are
working part time. Part time workers receive pro-rata full time pay and
conditions of service. Training and career progression opportunities parallel
to those of full time employees.
Career breaks
Career breaks offer employees the opportunity to take up to three years unpaid
leave from the workforce and at the end of this time return to a role with
comparable skills and experience.
Job share arrangements
The Bank also offers job share arrangements, whereby two employees may share
one position, providing an opportunity for an employee to reduce hours in the
lead up to retirement.
Flexible start/finish times and use of AWAs
In addition, hours worked at the Commonwealth Bank can be very flexible subject
to business needs. Enterprise Bargaining Agreements (EBAs) do not prescribe
set/start finish times; neither do the Bank’s AWAs, which also provide
flexibility.
Future Opportunities
Two proposed additional initiatives to assist in the managing of work/life
balance are the purchasing of additional leave and taking accrued long service
in more flexible ways.
These policy initiatives will be available to all staff and will be implemented
through policy action by the Bank and appropriate industrial instruments.
These initiatives make the Commonwealth Bank an attractive employer for mature
age people. |
|
|