This blog is about the search for or creation of a sustainable life (mostly 
). As I have mentioned before, a sustainable life, for me, is about more than installing CFL’s, recycling/reducing my trash, and paying for electricity generated by wind. For me, a sustainable life must include a sustainable work environment. What is a sustainable work environment? Flexibility is certainly one aspect of it. Check out what Ashley Acker has to say about flexibility in the work environment:
Flexibility Tops Summer Work Wish List
By Ashley Acker, Ph.D.
A survey conducted by OfficeTeam recently found that when asked, “Which of the following summer benefits would you most like to have?” employees picked a flexible schedule (38 percent) and the ability to leave work early on Fridays (32 percent) over activities like a company picnic (6 percent) and a more relaxed dress code (5 percent).
In response to the survey results, the executive director of OfficeTeam, Robert Hosking, said, “Employees appreciate flexibility in their jobs because it gives them greater control and enables them to handle other commitments without sacrificing their work performance.” Very true. But I’d argue this is true all the time—not just in summer months.
If you’re considering implementing a summer policy that involves flexible work, why would you stop when September rolls around? Why not pilot a program this summer, and if all goes well, make it a permanent policy? Taking away the freedom and flexibility your employees have enjoyed during the summer will only cause resentment, bitterness, a decline in morale, and likely a dip in productivity.
Flexible scheduling is a desired and welcome benefit all year long. Consider a way to make it a permanent fixture in your organization.
© 2009 Ashley Acker.
Ashley Acker, Ph.D., WorkStyle Design Expert and Coach, works with small business owners and their teams to redesign work so everyone wins. Learn how to boost your team’s productivity, develop a competitive advantage in your business, and enjoy unlimited freedom and flexibility with our FREE report, 5 Steps for Radically Transforming Your Small Business.
Interesting post Morgan. I think some employers are reluctant to offer their employees more flexible work schedules because they hate giving up control. But, most people are honest and a happy employee is a good employee. We’ve been very fortunate that my husband’s employer gives its workers a short Friday every other week year round and he telecommutes three days a week. This allows for more flexibility with our family and more quality time together opposed to quality time commuting.
Unfortunately with the currently economy, I think companies are even more reluctant to try new, flexible work schedules. This is too bad because personally, I would be more inclined to work harder for and be loyal to an employer that respected my work ethic and allowed for a more flexible work schedule than an employer that felt the need to control my every move, and I’m guessing the same is true for many employees.
“f you’re considering implementing a summer policy that involves flexible work, why would you stop when September rolls around? Why not pilot a program this summer, and if all goes well, make it a permanent policy?”
I agree with you on this. Most employees don’t really see the significance of granting your employees that small sense of freedom like a flexible schedule.
Lori, why do we as employees not do more to promote this issue at work? Are we all so scared for our paychecks that we will just accept whatever we are given?