Homeworking is expanding in Australia, but increasing numbers are marginalized by low rates of union membership, high rates of casual employment, and low access to benefits. A substantial segment of home workers are affected by insecurity and poor pay and working conditions. (JOW)

An Australian survey examined the child care and working arrangements (part time, shift work, overtime) of 2,890 mothers. Differences in use of formal child care or unmet child care needs depended on children's ages and full-time/overtime status. Those working in nontraditional arrangements may be more likely to use informal child care. (SK)

A study of employment practices in unionized workplaces received 1,579 responses indicating that organizations tend to cut employees without considering the long-term costs and implications. Smaller workplaces were less likely to have had reductions in the workforce. (JOW)

The debate about work-family relationships must focus on the nature of family life, the place of women in the new economy, the needs of children, and the future of an aging population. Because the workplace has limited capacity to meet work-family needs, partnerships with government services are needed. (JOW)

The determinants of innovation were examined using data from 698 Australian workplaces. Results suggest that better employee-management communications are associated with more change and that workplaces with higher levels of training undergo more change. (Author/JOW)

Results of a survey of 500 Western Australia residents (76 percent response) showed general acceptance of employee participation in organizational decision making, especially regarding health, safety, and physical conditions. Less agreement existed regarding decisions about fellow workers. Opinions varied by sex, union membership, and employment…

Discusses the problems associated with reduced availability of paid work due to technological advances and the diminishing supply of labor as living standards rise and people choose early retirement. (JOW)

Addresses explanations for the existence and persistence of occupational sex segregation and empirically tests several of the factors that have been advanced as explanations of continuing sex segregation. Concentrates on high-level professional occupations generally requiring higher education. (JOW)

Studies of the workplace of the future that used scenario-planning methodology and survey data suggest that nonmarket organizations will provide stability for temporary workers and result in the emergence of networks. Survey data suggest that future workplaces will foster intellectual capital through research and development. (JOW)