Creating a Flexible WorkplaceLori K. Long, Ph.D. Class One Employee and Labor

Relations 2008

Learning Objectives

• Identify the environmental, societal and demographic trends that are causing an increased demand for flexible work options.

• Understand how flexible work options can benefit an organization and support an organization's strategy.

Learning Objectives, cont.

• Identify flexible work options and other employee policies, programs and benefits employers can offer to support a flexible workplace.

• Understand the process of designing and implementing flexible work options.

Class ActivityClass Activity

Why do we need flexibility?Why do we need flexibility?

Growing Demand

• Role of technology> Communication> Information access

• Generational priorities> Baby Boomers> Generation Y

The Business Case for Flexibility

• Increases productivity

• Improves retention

• Helps meet diversity goals

• Aligns with social responsibility

Increased Productivity

• A meta-analysis of 31 studies on flexible work found that flexible schedules increased productivity and reduced absenteeism.

• 39 percent of employees with flexible work arrangements reported increased loyalty and a willingness to work harder.

• Approximately one-third of managers said their work group was more productive because it included employees who used flexible work arrangements.

Productivity – Organization Examples

• Flexible work options> Merck, Unilever, Bank of Montreal, Starbucks,

and Baxter International

• Telework program> Cisco

• Flexible work arrangements > McGraw-Hill

• Workplace flexibility> Capital One

Improved Retention

• A Catalyst study found a strong correlation between a positive work/life culture and employee intent to stay at the organization.

• 73 percent of employees with high availability of flexible work arrangements say they would stay for at least another year.

Retention – Organization Examples

• Best Buy: 90 percent reduction in employee turnover.

• Deloitte: $41.5 million savings in turnover costs.

• Aflac: Employee retention improved from 87 percent to 94 percent.

Meet Diversity Goals

• Gender

• Age

• Disability

• Culture/religion

Social Responsibility

• Reduces commuters

• Supports families

• Supports the community

• Encourages ethical behavior

Class Wrap-up

• There are many reasons why flexible work is a good business decision.

• Before implementing flexible work options, employers should:> Understand flexible work options (Class Two).> Determine the goals of their initiative and select the

right options for their employees (Class Three).

Creating a Flexible Workplace

Class Two

Review Class One

• Demand for flexible work is increasing due to demographic and societal changes.

• Flexible work options increase employee productivity and retention; reduce absenteeism; support diversity goals; and align with social responsibility efforts.

Learning Objective

• Know the existing flexible work options as well as other employee policies, programs and benefits employers can offer to support a flexible workplace.

Flexible Work Options

• Categories:> Alternate schedules> Reduced-hour alternatives> Telecommuting

Alternate Schedules

• Flextime

• Flexible schedule

• Compressed workweek

Reduced-Hour Alternatives

• Part-time work

• Job sharing

• Contract work

• Seasonal work

Telecommuting

• Full-time

• Partial week

• On occasion

Beyond Schedules

• Other programs, policies and benefits can support work/life balance.

• Such programs and policies build a flexible culture.

Class ActivityClass Activity

Benefits of Work/Life BalanceBenefits of Work/Life Balance InitiativesInitiatives

Class Wrap-up

• Before selecting the flexible work options, an employer should consider:> Employee feedback> Nature of work> Phased implementation

Creating a Flexible Workplace

Class Three

Review Class Two

• Many flexible work options exist, such as reduced-hour and alternate work schedules.

• Employers can provide a variety of programs and benefits to support a flexible work environment.

Learning Objective

• Learn how to design and implement flexible work options.

Organizational Barriers

• Corporate culture

• Opposing policies

• Lack of understanding by managers

Planning for Flexible Work

• Research to build a business case> Outside research> Determine internal goals

• Involve employees> Surveys> Focus groups> Exit interview data

Flexible Work Policies

• Simple is better.

• Ask employees to submit a written proposal.

• Consider how other benefits may be affected.

Resources

• Management training> How to determine who can participate.> How to measure performance outcomes.

• Employee support> How to write the proposal.> Coaching on how to work with flexibility.> Networking opportunities.

Evaluating the Initiative

• Identify any issues and make any changes to improve the program.

• Justify the investment.

• Build support for future programs.

Class ActivityClass Activity

Measuring EffectivenessMeasuring Effectiveness

Module Wrap-up

• Creative employees and employers will continue to find flexible ways to work.

• Flexible work initiatives will likely become organizational “must-haves” as more employers and employees discover the benefits of flexible work.