Flexible Work Arrangements Get Full-time Attention

Jan. 16, 2002
Want to keep employees happy? If so, say experts, then be flexible when it comes to options such as job sharing and setting work hours .

Want to keep employees happy? If so, say experts, then be flexible when it comes to options such as job sharing and setting work hours.

A new study by Best Practices LLC reveals how top organizations structure flexible work schedules that complement employees'' varying needs.

"Employee Retention: Managing the Part-Time Professional" unveils how Fortune 500 companies use flex-time, compressed work weeks, job sharing and telecommuting to accommodate employees. For example, one world-class transportation company has outlined career tracks for all employees that objectively reflect employee goals, abilities and experience. This system increases part-time employees'' satisfaction since these workers have the same advancement opportunities as full-time personnel.

The leading practices, managerial insights, and benchmark metrics in "Employee Retention: Managing the Part-Time Professional" are drawn from lessons learned interviews with 22 companies across 13 industries.

The study shows managers how to:

  • Communicate flexible workforce goals and policies to ensure alignment and buy-in throughout the organization.
  • Incorporate flexible schedule components directly into manager training.
  • Provide continuing resources to ensure success with flex-time employees.
  • Evaluate employees according to objective criteria and ensure that productivity is not sacrificed for flexibility.
  • Create distinct flex-time reward and recognition programs.

"Productivity is no longer simply a matter of having bodies at desks," notes Best Practices CEO Chris Bogan. "Companies are reaping great rewards when they strive to meet the unique needs of their employees."

Copies of the study are available at www.benchmarkingreports.com/r/r38.htm.

by Sandy Smith ([email protected])

About the Author

EHS Today Staff

EHS Today's editorial staff includes:

Dave Blanchard, Editor-in-Chief: During his career Dave has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeekEHS Today, Material Handling & LogisticsLogistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. In addition, he serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2021), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its third edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.

Adrienne Selko, Senior Editor: In addition to her roles with EHS Today and the Safety Leadership Conference, Adrienne is also a senior editor at IndustryWeek and has written about many topics, with her current focus on workforce development strategies. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics. Previously she was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck?, which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list.

Nicole Stempak, Managing Editor:  Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.

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