Earlier this year, we shared DigEd’s strategy for remote and flexible working, which captured the principles and practices that underpin our strategy. In this post, we look at the strategy in practice and share testimonials from DigEd staff that highlight how our approach has enabled us to build a strong and diverse future-focused workforce.
Enabling remote and flexible work has some concrete benefits to operational sustainability and staff experience that set us up for success into the future, no matter what the world throws at us. From recruitment to retention to resilience, removing dependence on time and place and enabling staff to work in the ways that are most effective for them has transformed our workforce for the better. We’ve been able to recruit amazing staff from across Australia who bring a wealth of expertise and capabilities to UNE, and retain the valuable expertise and capabilities of the staff we already have no matter where their life circumstances take them. We’ve assured our staff wellbeing and benefitted from including a diverse range of people in our team. It’s a key part of our business continuity strategy too – we can protect our staff, minimise risk and reduce points of dependency so that no matter what happens, we can keep delivering on our commitment to the university.
Read on for testimonials from our staff that showcase these benefits through their experiences working in DigEd:
Vrushali Moghe – Learning Designer (Adelaide)
Working remotely has really benefitted my overall wellbeing, and productivity. I am way more positive and have a lot more time on my hand to do the other things I love. On a professional note, I don’t think I could have taken up this opportunity to work at a university in regional NSW without having to relocate. For me, contacting and keeping in touch with colleagues somehow feels easier online. I am very thankful that remote work is possible and a better option for many. As someone who is easily distracted, it is an absolute blessing to work from the peace and quiet of my home office! I also save on emissions by not commuting everyday – definitely in line with my low carbon footprint ambitions! I am incredibly thankful for having the opportunity to work remotely – thanks to technology and a trusting/open minded leadership at work.
Mel Mitchell – Learning Designer (Brisbane)
Mel has worked at UNE for many years and was previously located in Armidale. However, last year she needed to access schooling opportunities and support services for her daughter, necessitating a move to Brisbane. Remote work provisions meant that we were able to keep Mel as a valuable team member and retain her vast institutional knowledge and staff relationships, and also meant that Mel could focus on meeting her family’s needs without the added stress of financial instability and looking for work. Mel has also been organising local catchups for Brisbane-based staff – she says the team loves the ability to combine digital and physical connection without relying on the Armidale campus.
Sarah Leavesley – Exams & eAssessment Officer (Gold Coast)
For me remote and flexible working has allowed me to work for UNE at a distance when otherwise that would not have been possible – it’s the reason I have a job. It also allows me to work while caring for children with significant and variable support needs. The ability to think outside the box about what work looks like, how that fits in with other elements of people’s lives, the ability to value people as people not just as workers, that should not be revolutionary but it is and it’s something that I think our team does really well and it’s a huge part of what allows me to actually be employed. We connect in each day via Teams to discuss work but also to touch base and check in and form links with each other, and it makes us a better team.
Simone Simpson – Learning Designer (WFH)
Simone was an early adopter of DigEd’s flexible work provisions – as someone with a chronic illness, working from home significantly improves Simone’s ability to manage her health and performance. She says being able to work flexibly in an accessible and high-trust environment has been a gamechanger for her wellbeing and productivity, and ‘levels the playing field’ for success.
Kate Mitchell – Senior Learning Designer (Melbourne)
DigEd’s flexible ways of working was a big drawcard for me in applying for the role. Without remote work provisions I wouldn’t have been able to apply for and accept the role, but more than that, it’s about values – seeing these in practice during the recruitment phase let me know that the team cares as much about equity and inclusion as I do. I’ve really felt like I’ve been treated like a human during the recruitment process, which gives me confidence that my managers trust me and will provide me with agency in my role. I’m also excited I can flexibly manage my work schedule to fit caring responsibilities and don’t have to stress about not only the juggle but also around asking for support if I need it.
Dana Junokas – Senior Learning Designer (Tamworth)
I have the flexibility to work when I like without the need to travel. This saves me time and energy and is also kinder to the planet (no exhaust fumes). DigEd leadership trusts me to do my work remotely as they recognise me to be a self-motivated adult with a passion for education. I am also better able to balance my wellness by working in a relaxed, familiar environment with the ability to take breaks and smell the roses (quite literally). I know that I am a happier, healthier and more productive member of the team through working remotely.
Nic Dunham – Digital Capability Builder (Central Coast)
I have worked somewhat remotely or hybrid for a number of years, but this is my first fully remote role. Whilst I have not met my new team in person, the use of systems such as Teams and the feeling that the team is very connected and interested in what we are doing has lessened a sense of potential isolation. On a more personal level remote working works for me as it means that I can do my work from anywhere – I don’t have to worry about being in a location that does not suit me.
Sarah Thorneycroft – Director (hybrid/flexible)
Working flexibly is critical for me to manage my performance and wellbeing as a neurodivergent and chronically ill senior leader. Leadership is a demanding profession and I would not be able to do what I do without the agency to flexibly self-determine the work practices and locations that most effectively serve my goals and needs at given times. Modelling personal, flexible and accessible working is a critical component of my leadership practice too – it’s my commitment to my team, to the university and to the experiences we deliver for our students in action.