MainPower breaking from tradition

The 2021 Energy Excellence – Well-being Award went to MainPower for its industry-leading employee well-being initiative offering staff the opportunity to work a nine-day fortnight – a first for the electricity industry. 

One of the largest employers in the North Canterbury region, MainPower’s flexible work hours option effectively gives staff a three-day weekend every second weekend and improves work-life balance.  

The company’s core activity is carrying out maintenance on the electricity distribution network in North Canterbury. MainPower altered staff scheduling processes to effectively deliver no change to the work planned to service the community. 

“A common theme that we’re hearing from our people is that having a weekday off makes life easier in terms of booking appointments, keeping up with household tasks and finding time to exercise. People are also noticing bonuses like saving money on commuting and childcare,” says general manager people and culture, Sandra O’Donohue. 
 
Trials conducted over a two-year period (2018 and 2019) tested two working patterns: a four-day workweek and a nine-day fortnight. Employees' feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with trial participants reporting personal benefits to their well-being, improved productivity at work and an overall positive impact on the wider organisation. 

The Well-being Award celebrates the energy sector's excellence in caring for its people. The industry relies on many brilliant teams and individuals to keep the fuel flowing and the lights on. Tell us about what you do for your people, whether it is a diversity initiative, training course, professional development system or mental health care regime.  

Entries close on 9 March 2022. Visit https://www.energyawards.co.nz/enter to request your entry form.