Flexibility in scheduling can help employees remain
productive while addressing family needs. Arrangements may include:
* allowing at-home work or telecommuting. Much of today's
office work can be done at home with a computer and a telephone. This
may even save the company money by reducing demands for office space.
Telecommuting keeps parents or elder care givers productive, but at
home.
* adopting flexible work schedules for employees such
as: allowing workers flexible start and finish times on a day-to-day
basis or adjusting work hours; giving employees an extra day off by
compressing the work week (i.e. allow them to work four, 10-hour days);
permitting a shorter work week with pay and benefits pro-rated; permitting
job sharing -- two or more people share the responsibilities, wages
and benefits of one full-time job.
* establishing a family medical leave program to address
a major illness in an employee's family.
* instituting unique parental leave benefits. Offer
both maternity and paternity leave. Mothers and families would benefit
greatly from the opportunity to have the father at home during the early
months after childbirth. Also, consider leave for employees who have
new children through adoption. Their needs and benefits are every bit
as great.
Workoptions.com: www.workoptions.com
Flexible Work Schedule Topics: www.dol.gov/dol/topic/workhours/flexibleschedules.htm
Flex Tips for Employees: www.whenworkworks.org
