I read with interest Rosemary Sutton's story on 'Is the CSIRO still a Man's World', which appeared in the last issue of WISENET. I couldn't help thinking as I read the article that workers at CSIRO receive benefits that some folk in private industry do not. Having also spoken to contacts in the EPA and also in Sydney Water, the level of pay and types of benefits are quite good compared to some private industries.
As I have worked for small private businesses or businesses which to not make large profits, it might be interesting for WISENET readers to hear about benefits that these type of employers can give. For example, when I was with Analchem Bioassay, where lab staff are notoriously lowly paid, Doreen Clark displayed quite remarkable gestures of appreciation to staff who were loyal and good workers. I can remember when a receptionist needed surgery and had to take six weeks off work. After the first two weeks, her holiday and sick leave were spent, however Doreen kept paying her wage for the entire period of leave. Similarly, when a lab assistant's fiance was tragically killed in a rock fishing accident, Doreen gave the worker four weeks compassionate leave.
From my own experience, when my step father was ill with cancer last year, my current employer, Robyn Tuft and Associates allowed me very flexible hours, to accommodate family matters. She also extended my compassionate leave upon my step father's passing.
These are the sorts of 'benefits' that we never hear about. The bureaucracy of larger organisations usually prevents such acts of decency.
Small businesses and private industry often receive unfair criticism when the topic of working conditions and benefits arise. It has been my experience (and I have worked for large companies as well) that the smaller the enterprise, the easier it is to be in contact with decision makers. This can allow genuine good working relationships to develop, though obviously it depends on the individuals involved. With such relationships comes trust and respect on both sides. No doubt to the economic rationalists in our midst, these concepts may seem old fashioned. However there is far more to work than status and salary.
Do you believe WISENET readers would be interested in perhaps a more human side to science in the workplace?
Leeta Caiger