MINISTER for Women Margaret Keech has launched an industry challenge that offers cash incentives to businesses to help workers balance their work and life.

Mrs Keech says most people place a high priority on balancing their responsibilities as workers and family members.

"If we're going to tackle the Queensland skills shortage head-on, we need to look at some of the reasons why people are not re-entering or staying in the workforce and make some practical, long-term changes," she says.

"Strategies that help workers balance their work and family life will increase the productivity of Queensland businesses, lower the costs of staff turnover and let them develop a competitive edge as business operators that retain highly skilled staff. We need to break down gender barriers and achieve culture change both in workplaces and in the community."

Mrs Keech says businesses and community organisations will be challenged to develop models, implement pilot programs or establish resources that enable employees to work flexibly, improve their skills or develop leadership abilities.

"These challenges might include establishing mentoring schemes, innovative, flexible working policies or quality part-time work arrangements, particularly in more senior roles," she says.

"Organisations will be encouraged to work together - across an industry or in partnership - to share these policies, programs and knowledge. It's about taking the next step beyond just writing a company policy. It's about implementing sustainable systems and programs that will make a difference in the workplace and we can start by rewarding those organisations that are doing the right thing.

"So, I challenge business and community organisations to actively create more opportunities for workers by addressing the barriers to participation and leadership in their particular industry."