Media Release
Thursday 12 October, 2006
Workplace program helping separated dads at home and work
Every workplace in Australia feels the effect of relationship breakdowns; on average, one person in every 15 employees goes through a separation each year.
Employers who are serious about reducing the impact of relationship breakdown or staff productivity and mood now have an option.
Staying Connected, a workplace program developed by the Child Support Agency specifically to support fathers going through separation, is now available nationally.
CSA Assistant General Manager, David Mole said staff turnover, sickies, lost productivity and workplace accidents have all been linked to the effects of separation.
"Those who've taken part in the three-hour workshop include separated dads from the Melbourne Fire Brigade, Victoria Police, Australia Post, Urban Services ACT, Department of Defence, and Kalgoorlie's mining community," said Mr Mole.
"The workshops help men stay positively involved in their kids lives and reduce the impact of separation."
Staying Connected was evaluated by Macquarie University's Dr Graeme Russell, an international expert on men, work and fathering and is delivered by community-based organisations trained by the CSA.
Before-and-after workshop research conducted by Dr Russell showed more than half of the dads who attended subsequently felt better able to form a practical relationship with their ex-partner – for the sake of the children.
Deputy Chief Fire Officer from the Metropolitan Fire Brigade in Melbourne, Keith Adamson believes Staying Connected has made a huge difference: less family-related time off work and healthier relationships with colleagues.
Brisbane divorcee, Brendan Spann, who works for Australia Post and has a 12 year-old son with his ex-wife, credits Staying Connected with improving his career and his personal life. He now has a new partner and is engaged to be married to her later this year.
"Staying Connected came along when I was going through my divorce, and depression was causing me to take time off work," said Brendan.
"The program helped me see things from a different perspective, communicate better with my ex and showed me ways on building a business-like relationship with her," he said.
Mr Mole said that for many of these men it is the first time they've been able to share their story with other dads.
"It's good for the whole workplace that employers are recognising how separation affects workers and are doing something about it," said Mr Mole. The program won gold in the prestigious Prime Minister's Award for Excellence in Public Sector Management – the highest accolade in the government sector.
Employers interested in Staying Connected should e-mail stayingconnected@csa.gov.au
Media contact CSA: (02) 6272 8540
Macquarie University: Dr Graeme Russell 0411 330 399
Australia Post media contact: Lea Jaensch (03) 9204 5362
Metropolitan Fire Brigade: Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Keith Adamson (03) 9665 4355
Media enquiries should be directed to media@csa.gov.au
