A Bayfield councillor wants to see a policy on work-life balance for municipal staff.
Bell Whetstone plans on bringing a motion forward at the next Bluewater council meeting, asking staff to prepare a report on the potential for a policy development on work life balance.
“Over the years since I’ve been on council, I’ve seen good employees leave, I’ve seen good employees retire and then I’ve seen us struggle to retain or bring or attract new employees that are to the expected level,” Whetstone said.
Whetstone added even when they are successful in attracting those people, they often leave after a year or two.
“One of the things that we’ve done in the past is comparative salary approaches to what the other municipalities are paying, to make sure that we’re competitive that way. Previous council brought in a better benefit program as well, but yet, we’re still seeing people leave,” Whetstone added.
Whetstone pointed out, a constant turnover of staff affects the level of service the municipality provides and constantly training new staff is costly. But he says the number of people successfully working from home during the pandemic showed that it can be done with some flexibility and, in most cases, productivity improved. So he’s asking council to, at least, look at the possibility for Bluewater.
