http://wfnetwork.bc.edu/blog/has-flexibility-gone-too-far Work and Family Blog Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:29:08 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7.1 hourly 1 http://wfnetwork.bc.edu/blog/has-flexibility-gone-too-far/comment-page-1#comment-664 Top Ten Trends in Work-Life and Work-Family | Sloan Work and Family Research Network Wed, 05 Nov 2008 19:12:15 +0000 http://wfnetwork.bc.edu/blog/?p=69#comment-664 [...] attention to being environmentally conscious or “green” with increased implementation of four-day work weeks and telework. Initiatives previously viewed as work-family are now being reframed as environmental. [...] [...] attention to being environmentally conscious or “green” with increased implementation of four-day work weeks and telework. Initiatives previously viewed as work-family are now being reframed as environmental. [...]

]]> http://wfnetwork.bc.edu/blog/has-flexibility-gone-too-far/comment-page-1#comment-453 Alternative For a Reason | Sloan Work and Family Research Network Mon, 08 Sep 2008 13:35:05 +0000 http://wfnetwork.bc.edu/blog/?p=69#comment-453 [...] Today’s entry is a follow-up to our August 27th entry, Has Flexibility Gone Too Far? [...] [...] Today’s entry is a follow-up to our August 27th entry, Has Flexibility Gone Too Far? [...]

]]> http://wfnetwork.bc.edu/blog/has-flexibility-gone-too-far/comment-page-1#comment-394 Linda Marks Fri, 29 Aug 2008 20:53:26 +0000 http://wfnetwork.bc.edu/blog/?p=69#comment-394 Flexibility hasn't gone too far, but sometimes it's implemented in ways that don't make sense. One size doesn't fit all -- there should be a range of flexible work arrangements available -- and whatever arrangement is chosen has to fit the needs of both the individual and the business. I've been working in the field of flexibility since 1979 and thought by now that discussions like this wouldn't be necessary -- but I was wrong. We still have a long way to go. But there are lots of wonderful organizations working to make things change. Flexibility hasn’t gone too far, but sometimes it’s implemented in ways that don’t make sense. One size doesn’t fit all — there should be a range of flexible work arrangements available — and whatever arrangement is chosen has to fit the needs of both the individual and the business. I’ve been working in the field of flexibility since 1979 and thought by now that discussions like this wouldn’t be necessary — but I was wrong. We still have a long way to go. But there are lots of wonderful organizations working to make things change.

]]> http://wfnetwork.bc.edu/blog/has-flexibility-gone-too-far/comment-page-1#comment-391 Betsy Thu, 28 Aug 2008 18:14:13 +0000 http://wfnetwork.bc.edu/blog/?p=69#comment-391 I think it swings too far if it begins to impose the kind of inflexibility it is purported to address. While business finances and work objectives are the key constraints for how to structure flexibility, the focus cannot be redirected from using flexibility to attract and retain workers.Often times, it comes down to the members of a work group to flexibly support each other in meeting those objectives. Individuals should be encouraged to discuss their necessary arrangements in addition to their flexibility preferences as they determine how to achieve business goals. This type of discussion increases employee engagement and productivity, which ultimately has at least as much impact on the bottom line as the effects of real estate costs and increased gas prices. I think it swings too far if it begins to impose the kind of inflexibility it is purported to address. While business finances and work objectives are the key constraints for how to structure flexibility, the focus cannot be redirected from using flexibility to attract and retain workers.Often times, it comes down to the members of a work group to flexibly support each other in meeting those objectives. Individuals should be encouraged to discuss their necessary arrangements in addition to their flexibility preferences as they determine how to achieve business goals. This type of discussion increases employee engagement and productivity, which ultimately has at least as much impact on the bottom line as the effects of real estate costs and increased gas prices.

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