We actively seek feedback from all staff members about their job, well-being, workload and overall work environment. Annually, we encourage all staff to participate in the Work Environment Survey (WES). From these results, we can establish what works, what we need to improve and what we need to change.

Otago Polytechnic cares about its staff. We take work-life balance and staff well-being seriously, within initiatives aimed at making it easy for staff to stay healthy and supported. We encourage all staff to make the most of the great things we have on offer, and suggest new initiatives to add to this list.

WHAM

A two week health programme run in Oct/Nov by sports students to provide you with the knowledge and confidence to help you with your own health goals. It includes nutrition, sleep, exercise, mindfulness and challenges to help you be a happier, healthier, and more energetic you!

Annual flu vaccinations

Influenza can be serious and vaccination is your best defence against this virus. We offer all staff free vaccinations via Student Health each year between March and May. Out-of-Dunedin staff are able to have their vaccine at their local GP clinic and have the cost fully reimbursed.

Polybikes

Got a meeting in town to attend?  Why not take one of the modern, easy-to-ride bicycles available to staff and enjoy the exercise. Keys and instructions are available from main administration in F Block.

Gym facilities

In 2013, the Otago Institute of Sport and Adventure (OISA) moved to their new purpose-built gym facility at the Sargood Centre on Logan Park Drive. Their world-class gym facilities are available to all staff, with access available outside of the teaching times. Contact the team at OISA to register your interest.

Bike or run to work?

We support healthy forms of transport. Showers are available in blocks F, H and G, and bike racks are located around our Campuses. 

Polykids Childcare

Polykids Childcare Centre provides early childhood eduction and care for children up to five years of age. Spaces are limited. Contact Polykids Childcare Centre. 

Harassment and bullying prevention

Everyone at Otago Polytechnic has a right to work and learn in a safe, harassment- and bullying-free environment. In line with our values of Caring and Responsibility we work hard to provide a great environment free from harassment and bullying.  For further information and who to contact see our Harassment and Bullying Prevention and Management Policy and the information posted around Campus.

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

All staff are eligible for free support through confidential and independent professional counselling. Whatever the issue, big or small, there is someone who is there to listen and support.

Social club

We understand the importance of having fun in the workplace. Our fun committee organise frequent social gatherings and events that all staff are encouraged to attend such as quiz nights, fancy dress and much more.

Living Campus

Living Campus is the first of its kind in Australiasia and involves turning Otago Polytechnic's existing Dunedin Campus into a vibrant community garden and a sustainable model of urban agrictulture. 

Otago Polytechnic welcomes and includes everyone regardless of gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, religious or ethical beliefs or political opinions.

We are proud to be the first ITP (Institute of Technology and Polytechnics) to have been awarded the Rainbow Tick and one of the first organisations in the South Island to gain the certification.

Rainbow Tick certification is granted to organisations that complete a diversity and inclusion certification process.

To gain certification, Otago Polytechnic showed, against a number of criteria, that it is diverse, open and inclusive as an employer, and follows best practice in LGBTTQIA+ workplace inclusion. That includes strategies and policies that specifically mention inclusion; reporting on inclusion at all levels, including governance; and training offered to staff.

Read more about Rainbow Tick here > 

Otago Polytechnic staff enjoy a number of benefits and little perks that all add up to greater joy and an easier life. 

A few extra days’ holiday, on us:

Otago Polytechnic gives all general staff who would normally work the Tuesday after Easter Monday that day as a gift day, without deducting it from your annual leave balance.

The three working days between Christmas and New Year are also given as “gift” days to all Otago Polytechnic general staff (whose contracts otherwise provide for four weeks’ annual leave).

We’re in the education industry, after all

All permanent staff (or those working more than two years, fixed term) receive up to $750 per year towards professional development through their Individual Development Plans.

Plus, if there are places remaining on programmes we teach (long or short-term), Otago Polytechnic staff can often join them at very discounted rates. Ask Customer Services which programmes are available.

Travel and health insurance

Southern Cross Healthcare offer a discounted rate for Otago Polytechnic employees who join – please contact the Human Resources Department for details. For some staff, subsidised health care is offered – your entitlements will be outlined in your employment agreement.

Otago Polytechnic employees can also take advantage of discounted travel insurance – contact the Contracts Office.

Great deals and discounts

Show your staff ID card to receive a discounts at Bunning’s Warehouse, Mitre 10, Dulux and the University Bookshop.

And contact us to find out about other great deals:

• Hertz Car Rental, hire cars for private use. Ask the Contracts Office.
• Mobil Fuel Cards – The Skeggs Foundation offers a Mobil Fuel Card discount on petrol and diesel. Contact the Human Resources Department.

Want to write a book, set up a business or finally do that “big OE”, but not sure how you’ll ever find the time?

Consider joining our “Four for Five” scheme and taking a three, six or 12 month break from work – with the security that your job will still be there for you when you return.

If you’re accepted into the scheme you’ll continue your current work for 80% of your substantive salary – and then take a three, six or 12 month break after one, two or four years of employment.

• Four years – 12 months leave
• Two years – 6 months leave

To apply for the scheme first check out the policy for more information and FAQs, and then write to your formal leader with your request.