WASHINGTON—These days most workers are happy simply to have a job, and aren’t thinking about what their boss can do to make life a little easier.
But with so many two-working-parent families, workers can use whatever professional support is available. And workplace flexibility, whether it affects work hours or location, is a good place to start for firms that want to keep workers happy despite tough times, experts said.
“There’s a lot of anecdotal evidence that it increases loyalty,” said Christina Romer, chairwoman of the Council of Economic Advisers. “The reason that flexibility tends to lower turnover is that people love it and it makes them not want to leave.”
While there is evidence that productivity increases at firms with workplace flexibility, it’s difficult to confirm causation. Still, flexible arrangements can save U.S. businesses billions of dollars a year, according to a recent report from the Council of Economic Advisers. Read full report.
Flexibility can reduce absences due to sickness and employee turnover, an intriguing trait as firms chase productivity.
Tips for workers
Still, some workers may be scared to ask their boss about a flexible work schedule.
More than one-half of employers said they allow at least some workers to periodically change their starting and quitting times, according to the CEA report. However, less than one-third of full-time workers report having flexible work hours.
The discrepancy between employers and workers could be caused by differences in data collection, according to the report. Or the discrepancy could exist because some workers are not aware of employers’ willingness to accommodate flexibility.
A first step for workers who seek more flexibility at work is to create a solution that solves the employer’s needs and provides flexibility, said Allison O’Kelly, chief executive of Mom Corps, a staffing firm based in Atlanta that specializes in flexible employment. Even better, workers can try to show how a flexible work schedule may result in cost savings.
“The most important thing to do is to make sure of what the company needs, and when you go to a supervisor let them know a solution,” O’Kelly said. “Especially in times like this you want to make sure that you go to them with a solution that actually helps their business and helps you.”
If a flexible schedule means a reduction in work hours, then workers should be prepared to explain how all of the pieces of their old job will be covered. Workers who will maintain their workload should show how they’ll be able to complete their work.
“You need to reassure them that you will still be able to complete all the tasks they need you to do,” O’Kelly said. “Make sure that you do answer your BlackBerry, respond to emails quickly, and make sure there are no kids screaming in the background when someone calls you for a meeting.”
Also, clear communication is key, O’Kelly said.
“Make sure you know what the employer wants from you,” O’Kelly said. “You want to make sure expectations are set so that you are successful.”