Wannon Water named Australia’s first family-friendly water corporation

Wannon Water is the first water corporation in Australia to be certified as a family friendly employer.

Family Friendly Workplaces, an initiative of UNICEF Australia and Parents at Work, recognised Wannon Water’s initiatives that support employees to meet their work, family and wellbeing needs.

Managing Director Andrew Jeffers said Wannon Water was thrilled to receive the Family Friendly Workplaces’ certification. “Supporting our employees in their work and personal lives is vital for a great work-life balance,” Mr Jeffers said.

“If we can reduce the pressures and demands on parents and caregivers, the benefits will flow down to their children and that’s a terrific legacy.”

Executive People and Resilience Anna Stow said the certification was a result of Wannon Water’s commitment to having leading policies and practices on flexible work, parental leave, family care and family wellbeing.

“It’s great for our employees and their families, and also helps us to improve gender equality, drive greater engagement, and attract and retain talent,” Ms Stow said.

“We know that more than 65 per cent of the people who work with us have caring responsibilities, so we’re well aware of the impact our initiatives can have on their lives.”

Sixty-two per cent of employees have taken up flexible work opportunities including working from home, part-time work, ad-hoc flexibility, transition to retirement, and access to purchase up to four additional weeks of annual leave.

Following a successful trial, Wannon Water has also provided the opportunity for employees to work from home during school holiday periods so they don’t have to take other leave when their children aren’t at school.

“It’s all about two-way trust,” Ms Stow said. “It means that our people can have confidence that we’re supporting them to thrive at work and at home. As a result, they are more engaged in their work.”

Wannon Water also provides 14 weeks of primary carer’s leave, three weeks of secondary carer’s leave, and the ability to request an extension of parental leave or part-time work after parental leave.

Education, information, and support is available including an Employee Assistance Program for employees and their families, training on mental health, stress management, financial literacy and family violence, health and skin checks and flu vaccinations.

Ms Stow said Wannon Water was continually looking at further opportunities for flexibility, and how it could support employees accessing family care and wellbeing programs.

Family Friendly Workplaces have National Work and Family Standards that provide employers with a benchmark of guidelines that support their workplace to be family-inclusive.

Wannon Water is one of more than 100 workplaces certified since the initiative launched in 2021.