The London School of Economics found statistically significant links between family-friendly policies and business performance.[1] It stated that parental leave was correlated with a 59.6% increase in the likelihood that financial performance is above-average; 35.1% increase in the likelihood that labour productivity is above-average; and 34.7% increase in the likelihood that there was increased productivity over the previous five years.[2] Australian studies found that EEO for women can help maintain or increase workplace efficiency.[3] While these correlations may not imply causation, many New Zealand employers infer that they do: in 2008, 60% said flexible work had “positive or very positive impacts” on workplaces.[4] Presumably, this is a result of employees being healthier, more energetic and feeling more appreciated in flexible workplaces; therefore putting in extra effort.
[1] Gray 2002.
[2] Ibid., p. 30.
[3] Australian Federal Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency 2009.
[4] DOL 2008.