Most human resources professionals agree that flexibility in the workplace is a win-win for employers and employees. But they also see a lot of roadblocks preventing them from turning flex dreams into reality.
Based on a recent study by the Society for Human Resource Management, a group of experts met to discuss strategies for expanding and improving workplace flexibility. This SHRM roundtable included representatives from business, government and organizations such as Corporate Voices for Working Families, Workplace Flexibility 2010, the Alliance for Work-Life Progress, the Center for American Progress and the Families and Work Institute.
Suggestions and ideas brought up by roundtable participants included:
- Using outside pressures to your advantage, such as a city wanting to reduce commuter traffic or organizations trying to get businesses to reduce their carbon footprint.
- Reaching out to business leaders to create a gold standard for workplace flexibility — and help reach it.
- Approaching how the workday is structured and how work gets done innovatively.
- Teaching young professionals about the importance of workplace flexibility and how to do it right.
- Using high-profile opportunities to recognize companies who embrace flexibility.
- Researching ways to offer workplace flexibility for hourly and line workers.
- Encouraging employers to link flexibility with the bottom line.
Learn more about SHRM’s study results and flexibility roundtable.