Guidelines which will help public-sector agencies to set equal opportunity principles in place were launched by Productivity and Labour Relations Minister Yvonne Henderson today.
The guidelines, in a publication called 'Winning from Workplace Change', contain case studies of workplace change in two agencies.
"These pilot projects, at Transperth and the Main Roads Department, have identified that there is still misunderstanding about the principles of equal employment opportunity," Mrs Henderson said.
"There has been a concern that equal opportunity is not seen as an 'add-on', but as an integral part of the change process in terms of structural efficiency.
"This publication provides valuable information which will help other agencies to improve workplaces through equal opportunity."
'Winning from Workplace Change' grew out of a document called 'A Change for the Better', launched by the Premier early last year as a set of guidelines for incorporating equal employment opportunity principles.
The new publication launched today contains case study material aiming to show how the principles of workplace change can be implemented to benefit all workers.
Mrs Henderson launched the guide at Transperth, where equal opportunity policies have been given a high profile through consultation and liaison between management, employees and unions.
"Transperth also conducted an employee attitude survey with some positive results. This is a pretty courageous thing to do as we often make assumptions about employee attitudes, but rarely are they tested," she said.
"Transperth also restructured bus operators' positions to create the position of depot support officer, whose role is to provide support to depot operations in order to maximise the quality of service to the public.
"Experienced operators in this role will pass on their experience to others. This has improved the working atmosphere and will have long-term benefits for all bus operators.
"Looking at equal opportunity has led to the realisation that there are common threads in all workplace change, and this document being launched today picks up on some of them.
"These common threads include full consultation and how to go about it; how and why to involve equal-opportunity specialists; the need to give feedback to those involved; and the need to keep the workforce fully informed as the changes progress."
'Winning from Workplace Change' contains checklists, together with the steps to take to achieve structural efficiency. It can be obtained from: ODEOPE, 7th Floor, Albert Facey House, 469 Wellington Street, Perth 6000. Telephone (09) 264 8254
