Planning for life with a new baby is enough to send most level-headed adults into a spin, so news you are having twins should easily provoke turmoil – right? Not if you work for an Employer of Choice.

Michelle Pippis, mother of newborns Joshua and Jessica, says the prospect of dropping back to one wage was never going to be easy, but the extended maternity leave provisions available to her at WISE Employment, made planning leave from her role as an Employment Consultant relatively stress free.

‘My partner Gary and I sat down and agreed that, as I felt terrific throughout the pregnancy, I would work as long as I could. I worked up to 35 weeks, as they say twins are generally born early. I ended up going to 39 weeks, which meant I had more time at home than expected, but it was nice to get some sleep prior to their arrival.’

In conjunction with 16 weeks maternity leave at half pay, Michelle also opted to use all her annual leave, which means she is literally on half-pay until December. ‘I have taken 12 months maternity leave but have the option of going back early if I want or need to. After that we’ll possibly look at going back part-time.’

Extended parental leave is just one part of a program of initiatives designed by WISE in its bid to gain recognition as an Employer of Choice.

HR Manager Kathy Sdrinis says more than half of WISE staff have taken up flexi-time arrangements, while 10 per cent have ‘purchased’ additional annual leave. Across the multi-site organisation, staff can take up to five sick days each year without visiting the doctor for a certificate.

Study leave is another popular provision. Oktay Yilmaz is a Marketing Team Leader with WISE, actively promoting job seekers with disabilities to potential employers. He is passionate about his work, but has always wanted to add a Training and Assessment qualification to his credentials.

‘I was made aware during my induction with WISE that study leave options were available,’ says Oktay, ‘it didn’t take too much time for me to make a decision to undertake the course.’

To help him achieve his goal, WISE provides Oktay with up to six days study leave each year and an additional four days exam leave.

‘The study leave option provides me with the flexibility to balance my work, study and family life,’ says Oktay. ‘Most of all it gives me great job satisfaction knowing that my employer acknowledges the importance of self development.’

‘I can comfortably say that WISE has been the best employer I have ever worked for. I have a balance between work and life. The organisation is very family friendly.’

Kathy says the EOC program achieves a number of objectives. ‘First, it has helped us attract, engage and retain staff. Second it allows us to support our staff by offering useful benefits and a better workplace that allows them to balance their roles in society as people and as productive employees. Finally, it provides a practical demonstration of one of our key values: valuing our people.’

She adds that none of this would be possible without the commitment of WISE Employment’s board and management.

The flexible conditions are clearly embraced by WISE staff, but the subject can prove a bit of a barbecue stopper. ‘Some of my friends and former colleagues tell me they don’t have access to study leave,’ says Oktay. ‘Many of them are looking for opportunities to enhance their knowledge and skills, and they are surprised when I mention that my employer offers that flexibility.