SYDNEY, July 14 (Xinhua) -- Flexible work arrangements are significantly improving female workforce participation and boosting business in Australia's Victoria state, according to latest industry findings.
Three major organizations that offered flexible workplaces in the state recently recorded savings of more than 50 million Australian dollars (37.1 million U.S. dollars) alone, according to a statement from the state's Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins on Saturday.
Flexible working arrangements cover changes to job patterns such as split shifts and working from home.
The latest findings, part of a major study commissioned by the government, showed that "access to flexible work improves workforce participation and work-life balance, which ultimately boosts productivity." The report also found that flexible work improves staff retention.
In contrast, the absence of flexible work is a "a key contributor to the gender pay gap, and drives women out of the paid workforce."
Support for men to work flexibly can also encourage them to share the burden of unpaid work with women more equally, according to the report.
