Imagine a workplace where taking time off to be an active parent isn’t frowned upon, but embraced.
Sick child? Not a problem - take the time you need.
Is your child receiving an award at assembly? Tell us what we can do to help you be there.
Experienced a troubled morning getting to school? That’s ok, take your time and we’ll see you later.
Are you needed at work but have a child in tow? Let us get the colouring book out so they can be entertained.
Such a workplace does exist.
In fact, this workplace is responsible for developing Victoria’s elite athletes into World Champions and Olympic and Paralympic medallists.
Because just like athletes, performance outcomes are achieved when good balance exists.
Flexibility in the workplace is the norm at the Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS). Whilst it’s often stereotyped as applicable for working mums to require flexibility, at the VIS it’s embraced by working dads and guardians alike.
Importantly though, there is a pervasive acceptance culturally, as leaders exemplify the behaviours – normalising the different ways in which everyone works to perform at their best.
This Father’s Day, we look at how some dads at the VIS embrace flexibility and some of the best advice they’ve received to balance work, family and a side of sport.
Name: Mark Brown
Position: IT Manager
Flexibility used at VIS: Like many other parents here, I really appreciate having the flexibility to work from home one day a week. It makes a big difference being able to do school drop-offs and pick-ups. VIS has also been great with initiatives like family days and bring-your-child-to-work days. My daughters are always excited coming in to the VIS, and it’s been great seeing them make friends with other staff members’ kids.
Best Dad advice you've received: Just try to make the best of the time you have together, make it fun and try and make a good experience / memory.
Name: Josh Ferguson
Position: Physiotherapist
Flexibility used at VIS: A bit of flex in working hours means I can help out with school drop-offs or pick-ups when my workloads allow. I work in an incredibly supportive department with compassionate colleagues who don't mind covering each other if we need to stay home with sick kids, etc.
Best Dad advice you've received: Be an active participant.
Name: Nathan Lee
Position: Performance Services Assistant Manager
Flexibility used at VIS: I was fortunate enough that as an employee of the VIS, I was able to access twelve weeks of VIS paid parental leave. This enabled me to focus on and enjoy the wild and wonderful newborn period without work-related and financial stress.
Name: Dan Simons
Position: Director of People & Community
Flexibility I use: For me I choose working from home on Tuesdays so I don’t have to rush around and can walk my child to school. If I have to leave work early or come in later so I can attend an assembly or appointment I feel very supported. Not to mention the flexibility also allows me to get to footy training on a Thursday night.
Best Dad advice I’ve received: Stretch your hamstrings so you don’t pull your back from constantly carrying your child.
Name: Kane Spagnolo
Position: Physiotherapist
Flexibility used at VIS: In my daughter's first year she sometimes spend ½ a day with me at the VIS. The other staff members would often pitch in with watching her/caring for her when needed.
Best Dad advice you've received: Enjoy the early years as they go past quickly.
