Directors' Column

As we reflect on 2021 and the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses are redefining their operating model with an emphasis on flexible working arrangements.

This is also the case at Bank First, where the aim is supporting our people, while continuing to improve the Member experience at every touchpoint. One of the key pillars to achieving this is creating inclusive and supportive working arrangements that help our people be their best, both at work and in their personal lives.

A lot has changed over the last two years, including many Australians switching to working remotely, with a growing view to continue to do so as a preference. This has changed the day-to-day dynamics for many, with family members being home more regularly.

The role of primary caregiver is often taken up by women, which as we know can increase the mental load and daily responsibilities, not to mention the financial inequities that arise from working part-time or being out of the workforce completely.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Household Impacts of COVID-19 Survey, May 2021, found that 62% of women spent at least five hours on unpaid indoor housework, compared with 35% of men. This is compounded by women spending more additional hours than men on unpaid caring or supervision of children and adults.

The ABS Gender Indicators, Australia 2020 Report, found that 3 in 5 employed mothers worked part-time compared to less than one in ten employed fathers, for parents whose youngest child was under six. Inside our own organisation, 17% of our people work part-time of which 92% are women.

As an organisation founded on care and compassion, the importance of supporting those who look after and care for others is our purpose. We have been engaging with our people to provide solutions tailored to their needs, including flexible working hours for parents home schooling their children and supporting three team members who moved interstate to look after their family during the pandemic. It is these seemingly small changes that make a big difference to people’s lives.

Caring for people is in our heritage and I’m proud to know that it’s part of our culture to this day and in the future.

Michael Monester