Energizer - Helen Smith (Employee)

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With an elderly mother and two grandchildren pleasurably filling up part of her weekend, Helen realised she wanted more time to herself. She has worked in a full-time administrative role at Energizer in Auckland for 13 years. She wanted more ‘Helen time’ as she calls it.

The supportive, relaxed workplace culture meant Helen felt comfortable to communicate her work-life balance needs– a four-day week with Fridays off. The response was a ‘yes’ so Helen now spends Friday ‘chilling out with a book at home’. She acknowledges that she wouldn’t have actually resigned if she wasn’t able to reduce her hours but she’s very happy with the new arrangements.

“Everyone’s supportive and happy for me to do it and I feel great,” Helen says. “It’s swings and roundabouts, of course… I’m very much old school in my working habits and would never use or abuse an employer. I don’t take time off at a drop of a hat and only stay home sick if I’m really sick.”

Helen’s four-day week works well for Energizer due to her responsible attitude and the availability of another staff member to extend their hours to work on Fridays.