Work 2.0

The concept of 'work' and the way our workplaces function is a construct invented by males.  Women initially joined the workforce and started paid work as a result of most males leaving to go to war.  It was hoped that the women could 'fill in' until the men came back.  When the men came back, a slight concession was made for women to be able to enter paid work until they were married. It wasn't till 1950's and 60's that women were embarking on a career for themselves.

Jumping forward to present day 2013, there is a push to have greater representation of women in organisations; on board of directors, in senior management and in typically male dominated industries such as engineering and transport.  The diversity agenda (in Australia) is firmly being pushed.

Knowing that women have only been active in the labour force for over 50 years and that women still experience a 17.5% inequality of pay, can women really be given a fair go in an environment that has been typically male dominated and designed?

What if we turned things up-side-down? What would 'work' and our 'workplaces' look like if we could re-do it?  What if it were up to women to redesign the way work would work?

Over the last few weeks I've given this a bit of thought.  Here are some of my ideas.

• Joint or job sharing CEOs (leading by example is the best way to make it seen as a norm)
• Fully decked out HUB offices opening up across the city (instead of just in CBD, Sydney has a number of areas where these could open)
• Flexible work arrangements for ALL employees  
• Extend school hours till 4pm and provide less homework (the hour in school makes up for the hour doing homework but also provides parents more time at work)
• Additional sick leave days provided to those over 50 (government funded)
• Typically female dominated professions are paid much higher, entice more males into those industries
• Weed out the idea of 'gender based professions' and what constitutes gender based activities. Young boys and girls should grow up equally wanting to be nurses, teachers, researchers as well as accountants and electricians.
• Bonus not tied (or completely tied) to individual performance but to the organisations performance
• Rewrite job descriptions - take out the fluff, make it easier to understand and also make it easier to work out; part time and job sharing programs
• Having suits (and ties for men) as dress code
• 24/7 access to offices/work spaces/Hubs
• Superannuation paid for all types of leave (including; parental and long service)
• 24/7 childcare facilities
• Childcare facilities are available in proportion to where employees are located
• Improved 2-way loyalty between employers and employees
• Centralised services (I.E. procurement, admin, payroll, tax, professional development advisers) for small to medium sized businesses.  No one wants to mitigate red tape when they should be growing their business
• Laptops not desktops, greater utilisation of software, social media, video conference and communication tools.
• Proper job-for person program for skilled migrants/people on 457 visas.  No point in them coming here if there is no job directly available to them.

Will some of these become a reality with the implementation of the National Broadband Network? Through greater numbers of women on boards and government? Technology such as Google Glass going mainstream? Who know what will happen, but keep watching, it's going to be well beyond the offices and cubicles we know!


References: 
1. http://www.womensagenda.com.au/talking-about/editor-s-agenda/re-imagine-work-could-you-make-it-better-work-for-you/201306072285?utm_source=Women%27s+Agenda+List&utm_campaign=04ac0fd79b-Mon+03%2F06%2F2013&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f3750bae8d-04ac0fd79b-30603413
2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women_in_the_workforce
3. http://www.hcamag.com/hr-news/looking-for-the-ideal-worker-time-to-wakeup-177367.aspx
4. http://www.womensagenda.com.au/talking-about/top-stories/the-cost-of-being-female-64-extra-days-at-work/201309022823#.Uih1pByUlpc.twitter

Safety - The #1 Value for Organisations

It's becoming more and more evident the importance of organisations handling Workplace Health & Safety matters.

Workplace Health & Safety (WH&S), re-named from Occupational Health & Safety, is more than just picking up boxes with correct posture or wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). 

We all have a duty of care to each other.  WH&S is reporting spills and near misses, it is checking to see the 'slip' factor on the lobby floor when wet, it is knowing the signs of fatigue, it is letting employees know that bullying and harassment will not be tolerated.

SAFETY IS EVERYONES RESPONSIBILITY.

The recent Telstra/NBN roll out is just the latest in a long line of safety scares and concerns. Lend Lease at Barangaroo, the clothing factory collapse in Bangladesh, tornado chasers in Oklahoma (who died in pursuit of 'the big one'), the truck driver ploughing into a building early in the morning, etc, etc.

I've been very fortunate with my previous employers. They have all had safety as a priority.  It is reinforced and communicated all the time, it is included in their values, it is keeping WH&S top-of-mind when pursuing strategy or undergoing any changes.

Focus on safety should not just be reserved for your immediate environment, but throughout the whole supply chain. 

The prioritisation of safety is one of the values I look for in a new employer.  Do you? 

We all need to ensure that our employer places great value on safety.  If not, challenge them, start the ball rolling yourself or leave. 

Compromises in safety is not acceptable!



References;
Summary of our WH&S law from Australian Industry Group

Images from:
http://signforce.com.au/images/s725.jpg

Hoarding & Collecting

"Hoarding is about keeping things inside."
This is what one lady says in the promo of the show 'Hoarders'. 

I collect all kinds of stuff.  Will need item xyz in the future as opposed to what I need in the present?  I store stuff for practical use as opposed to something that makes me happy. It's collected for the fact that I may use it later on & when I do really need it I will thank myself for saving it. 

I have stuff collected, gathering dust that most (if not any) people don't know about me. (My poor family that will uncover all the crap I have when I die!) 

But am I a collector or am I a hoarder?
It's not collecting it is hoarding.   It's hoarding from the stand point that it's not on display, I don't really talk about it & it's not something that makes me happy. A collector on the other hand is someone who accumulates things that interest them, converses about it & displays them.  For example a collector of stamps or owls or Ferrari's.

Here's my secret list of things I hoard. (gulp!)

• Sealy/Zip-lock bags - For travel, especially for flights
• Spare buttons (that you get with new clothes)
• Paper shopping bags

• Plastic bags
• Safety pins
• Travel brochures & Maps - They're glossy & pretty, from places I've been & where I'd like to travel to (which is everywhere, so yeah I have a shelf full of these)

• Book marks - I don't have 2, 3 or 4 but close to 20
• Post-it notes - They're pretty & the fact that it is stationery (that's another blog post!).
• Notebooks/ Exercise books- Mostly all blank with nice covers
• Fancy dress accessories (Someone please have a Hawaiian Luau party so I can wear my grass skirt and lei's!) 

I hoard.  I'm a hoarder.  I make excuses for what I hoard.  I just hope by disclosing my hoarding side it's a step in the right direction.  I'm taking ownership for my hoarding issue (problem) & it will allow me to start dealing with the fact that I don't really need these.  Will I ever wish that I held onto the 50 plastic bags I have instead of having just 1 or 2 spare?

 

 

 

 Images from; 

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1kQvS5UdH-O3h-T5Hpto8JIKW-eA8Cc5Tacvt_a2Q9BuRLiZ0sm0xH8IQuS_-Lf_zVhIKfKpojFxlsrIYiWB8wzfOhmP6TvEQc-nB1AQttE6yqcT546KWTxPVJfySbggMvcE0346pEC0/s1600/alg_shopping-bags.jpg 

http://rhodiadrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Old-Maps.jpg

 

Media Attention for the Loud and Rich

The Superannuation changes that the Labor government were wanting to introduce are now sidelined. There was too much of an uproar.  Fact is, it was only going to affect a few, the rich few.

Have you heard much about the single parents (mainly women) who have been moved onto the Newstart Allowance (the Dole) after their youngest child turns 8 years?  This is instead of them receiving the normal parent supplement.  Probably not.  They don't have money for campaigns & time for too much Government lobbying. They can't even study as they are ineligible for Study Assistance while on Newstart.

The Mining tax.  How much did it raise again? Just a few million, in the scheme of things, its next to nothing. Why? Due to all politics & the lobbying it became so heavily diluted that it was grossly ineffective. The noise & hoo-haa that the mining industry made saved the profits & the bonuses of the "Mining magnates".

The Private Health rebate is being means-tested.  Those earning over $150,000 are crying poor. Meanwhile those earning under $50,000 still have to pay for Private Health (which increases every year).  If they can't afford it at present, they will be penalised when they can afford to with a percentage of the premium added on.

I'm getting the uneasy feeling that when something gets in the way of life or affects the finances of the more affluent, more of a noise is made. 
Let's hear some noise from those who don't have as many resources at their disposal. 

Let's hear what our struggling Australian's have to deal with.

Kiss or Tell?

Yesterday was a very historical day. Our Carbon Tax passed. It's important news.It's a major win for the Labor party, Tree Huggers & Gen Y.

 But was this the biggest news of the day?  No. Of course not.


Fact and celebration were trumped by hypothesising, guess work and assumption.

The biggest news story and plastered all over today's newspapers were not the fact that we
have a Carbon Tax.

No, the biggest news story was the fact that Kevin Rudd walked up to Julia Gillard to congratulate/share in the triumph of passing legislation that has been years in the making.

 
Is it the "Kiss of Death"?? or "Kiss of Deceit".

Julia Gillard's double victory - passing her carbon tax legislation and a kiss from Kevin Rudd - The Australian 

Global warming to political warming: Rudd's 'Judas kiss' - The Newcastle Herald.

It's such a shame. We're pioneers, one of the first countries to do this. We're taking a punt & giving it a go but all the gloss has gone. The celebration and limelight of what should be a defining time for us is overshadowed by two colleagues getting along. 

Yes, note worthy because it is Gillard & Rudd, however, it should not be front page news. Shame to all mentioned above. 

Photos taken from: 

http://resources3.news.com.au/images/2011/10/12/1226165/314999-julia-gillard-and-kevin-rudd.jpg

http://resources0.news.com.au/images/2011/10/12/1226164/651584-gillard-rudd.jpg

Acknowledgements:

The Australian, 13/10/2011

The Newcastle Herald, 13/10/2011

Australia Matters, 13/10/2011

Carbon Tax ... Friend or Foe?

The likelihood of passing Labor's Carbon Tax legislation (with the support of the Greens & the In dependants) is so high, even I would head down to the TAB and put money on it!

It's a formality away from happening, it will happen & people ... it's a GOOD THING.

Now I don't believe in all the science, I believe that the earth does what it has to, to reach its own equilibrium. However, what I do believe is that one day coal will run out (It takes millions of years to make coal from petrified wood.) & if we don't invest in alternatives now, our grandchildren will be in for a shock!

So why is it a good thing?

Our electricity bills are already high!

That's because we know coal is scarce.  As a scarce resource, it will cost more & more due to our world population is growing.  How can this be a surprise to anyone?

The demand for more is increasing & that the energy sector knew a tax or ETS would be on its way.

If our energy providers can access energy from more sustainable sources, it can only mean our bills will stay the same or even go down. (in the long run).

We're biting off more than we can chew.
20 years ago, did we have TVs in every room? Did we have electronic devices foe EVERYTHING? We don't even read or catch a bus without our electronic devices. Kids these days don't ride their bikes, they play with iPads, Xboxes & Nintendo DSs.
I'm just guessing, but the rate at which Australia has grown is nothing compared to the rate demand for electricity has grown.

Despite the spin, despite what both Julia & Tony tells us, despite what the shock jocks say & despite what was alluded to on Q&A, acting sustainably is in the nations interest and in YOUR interest.

There is uncertainty about everything ... except death & taxes.
Embrace the new certainty provided by our Government!


Photo taken from:
http://www.sustainabilityninja.com/government-industry-sustainability/clean-energy-details-of-economic-stimulus-bill-10549/

Phone Home!

With the way we use phones now, the home phone is on the endangered list.

I know when people ask for my phone number, I never give out my home phone number, its always the mobile phone.


Our mobile phones are alway with us ... it's effort to get up off the couch and pick up the home phone. Call rates are more competitive ... it's even free to talk to people on the same network.

I'm sure they'll be extinct one day soon.



Photo taken from:
http://www.empireonline.com/images/features/100greatestcharacters/photos/74.jpg

Where to Donate?

Just an observation ... 

We've had terrible floods in Queensland.
We gave and donated.
We've had terrible floods in New South Wales and Victoria. Bushfires were burning south of Perth.
We gave and donated ... and now also contribute to a flood levy.
Our neighbours in New Zealand have just had a very destructive earthquake.
We give and donate again.
But what of the other charities that depend on our continued donations?

Ethical Banking & Super

Banks can make money from anywhere. The money comes from the good, the bad and I'm sure the ugly.

I don't like the idea that I could potentially be earnng interest from companies that do not operate with society in mind.  Who operate in an unethical way, that don't think about their immediate environment and who are just plain old greedy.

There is a concept I came across a few months ago, Sharia Banking, AKA Arab Banking. Banking that is in favour of the borrower. No interest is paid, people do buy houses and its seen as a a necessity, not a luxury.

An alturistic idea, but not one that is offered here ...yet.

 So, in an effort that I can take to act more responsibly ... I have made a small but significant for me, change.  I can't really change my bank at present (Bendigo Bank is the only Australian bank that I know of, I need to gain access to it so some small bank doesn't suit my needs.) However, I have changed the way my superannuation is invested.


My investment is with the Socially Responsible Balanced investment. It is investment in a diversified share portfolio, made up of Australian and international shares. Investments are selected on the basis of sustainable investment criteria and in property, fixed interest and cash assets

Sourced from:

https://www.unisuper.com.au/investments/investment-options-explained?ispretax=No&option=5&Submit.x=25&Submit.y=13&Submit=Submit

http://www.empowered-communities.org/_/rsrc/1253411712539/sustainable-communities/image005.jpg

US Oils Spill

It's day 55 and the oil is still leaking. The Gulf in Mexico is getting more and more polluted with the slick.

These oil and petroleum companies invest millions into developing technology into exploration and extracting the fruits of the earth. 

You'd think from all this knowledge and know-how they have, they would know how to stop the leak. 


Photos taken from:
http://a123.g.akamai.net/f/123/12465/1d/www.dose.ca/Dome+plunged+deep+into+leak/2999377/2998748.bin?size=dose462

Malcolm in the Middle - The ETS

It's hot in Canberra this week and its not the temperature!  So much is happening in regards to the ETS (Emissions Trading Scheme) legislation and Liberal party leadership.  Its passing will have major ramifications but this is my perspective ...

1. Regardless if you are on the side of believers or non-believers of climate change, there is a need to act sustainably.  Using less water, going shopping with re-useable bags, shorter and colder showers, printing less and saving paper, reduce-reuse-recycle, yadda yadda yadda.  Acting sustainably saves money and other resources.  Its a no brainer.
2.  Malcolm Turnbull has done what any good leader should, that is to work with the government on addressing the legislation, fighting climate change and preventing a double dissolution.  As you know, I am a Rudd fan but I do see the value and potential in Turnbull.  It was admirable of him to step up to the task.  He's made the tough calls, listened to voters and I dont think this should have damaged him the way it has.
3. The legislation wont make anyone really happy.  The Greenies are not happy with the Government taking small steps and the Libs are not happy because they are going to be out of pocket.  What is the Government supposed to do?  Operating greener does cost more money in the short and medium term.
   
4. I want to see action taken on climate change but .... with produce already so high, how much higher will it go?  Just this week bananas are $5 a kilo and petrol is $1.27/litre.
5. Agriculture Carbon aka Animal Farts.  I'm just glad this is now exempt from the legislation being passed.  Next thing you know humans would be charged for farting!  Its a normal and natural process. Reminds me of an episode from South Park.  The community was told to abstain from farting in an effort to reduce pollution.  The result?  Some of the towns people exploded from pent up methane pressure. Spontaneous_Combustion (South Park episode)

How will the ETS affect the normal folk?

Maldives Government having a meeting in their Parliament House if the water level keeps rising.

• We'll feel that we are finally doing something more substantial for the environment.  I don't want to see the Maldives swallowed up by the Indian Ocean!
• We walk into Copenhagen talks with a decision already made - taking a global leadership role (a sense of pride will ensue)
  
• Electricity will cost more over a certain point ... thus consumables will cost more if the producing company is a polluter.
  
• More "green " start up businesses and tenders will be given to those operating in a more environmentally friendly way
• Households will work harder to minimise costs, operate more efficiently, buy better more energy efficient electricals.

I just hope the government helps households out who want to invest in renewable energy, more insulation and sky lights.  I hope they also allow more overseas technology to filter in, more is thought about energy efficient cars and if we want more efficiency, we need more efficient internet!

Its going to be a nerve wracking weekend long wait.  Who will be the new Liberal leader?  We'll find out Monday, fingers crossed its Malcolm!


Picture from:
http://wwwimage.cbsnews.com/images/2009/10/17/image5392351.jpg

Recycled Fridge Magnets

Like most households, we get at least 5 magnets in the mail from plumbers, tradies and real estate agents. Quite hideous in design and layout and quite useless because we have our own regular guys.
We generally keep them on the back of the fridge but once in a while, we just want to chuck them all out.

Well.  I came across a really cool craft idea to recycle magnets and milk cartons!  So today mum and I had a bonza day of making a whole bunch of these magents.

I don't have the instructions to follow, but the jist is that we traced a milk carton template and then stuck on Japanese square washi paper on to it.  We then added a thin strip to make the collar and then super glued a recycled magnet on the back and voila!

Recycled wrapping paper

I try to be aware of my environment and to act sustainably where ever possible. I'm never going to be one of those crazy Prius driving, hemp wearing hippys but I do like to follow the philosophy where we can reduce our waste, protect what we can of the environment and save money.

My latest project was wrapping presents. There is nothing better than a beautifully wrapped present, regardless of how much the paper and the ribbon cost. It was my sisters birthday a few days ago and this is how I wrapped her present ... using a recycled Franklins catalogue.



I found some solid colour strips so that is the "ribbon" and then with the rest of the sheet, I just wrapped it. As for the bow, I just made one of those floral things by looping long strips of the paper and then stapling it to hold in place. I did it twice, one big and one smaller so it looks fuller.

Its still uses sticky-tape and uses 2 staples, but I think I made it look presentable and am proud of it. After she unwrapped it, the paper then was put straight into the recycle bin. Saved me money and looked good.