Flexible workplaces deliver optimal employee performance

Professor Paula Brough has spent 20 years researching to enhance the psychological health of workers.

In today’s increasingly global, 24/7 workplace, the need for maintaining a work-life balance has never been more important.

The Griffith Business School Alumni Network and theCentre for Work Organisation and Wellbeing (WOW) will explore issues related to flexible working arrangements for the Australian workforce with an interactive panel over breakfast tomorrow (Friday 12 August) in Brisbane’s CBD.

Paula Brough, Professor of Organisational Psychology in Griffith’s School of Applied Psychology, and a member of WOW, will join Alex Scott, Secretary of Together Queensland Union of Employees, and Wallis Westbrook, General Manager of The Sunshine Coast Private Hospital, on the panel to discuss their experience with flexible workplaces and the effects on employees and employers:

“The evidence of the impact of poor work-life balance for an employee is clear,” Professor Brough says. “Increased levels of stress, decreased commitment and work engagement, decreased aspirations, creativity and work performance, reduced levels of physical and psychological health, increased sick leave and increased turnover levels.”


She emphasises that employees who are more satisfied with their work situations will be more likely to give employers their all:

“Engaged workers willingly devote their best efforts to their work in terms of their energy, sustained attention and their sense of purpose and dedication, thereby contributing to the optimal functioning and performance of organisations.”

This story is authored by Elizabeth Best, Communications Officer, Griffith Business School.