It’s Time to Flex Your Workplace Flexibility
Photo courtesy of Colleen Sparks via Flickr
A company is nothing without its team of talented employees. Even if a company executes one brilliant idea, it must continue to grow and evolve in order to stay afloat in today’s complex market. This calls for more brilliant ideas generated by a diverse and talented pool of employees.
Talent often comes with expectations. One of the most common expectations is workplace flexibility. As Millennials (also known as Gen Y) become a larger part of the workforce, values will continue to shift toward the need for a work-life balance.
Yost interviewed Allison O’Kelly, CEO of Mom Corps, who offered great insight and tips for organizations exploring the numerous options that could be offered to employees. Below, I have mixed in my own commentary and insight as well:
- Ask your employees first! What is it that they want or need most? What would make them both fulfilled and productive?
- Evaluate your competitor’s models. What problems or successes have they encountered?
- Keep face-to-face alive. Web-based communication is great, yet in-person meetings are still the lifeblood behind many projects. Be sure to establish regular office” hours or weekly check-ins.
- Use it! Take advantage of this new workplace balance. In the beginning you may even need to designate certain days as ‘work-from-home days’ so that employees actually use them. As O’Kelly mentions, it must be “championed from the top.”
Are you currently in the job market? Does workplace flexibility matter to you? Do you wish your employer would look into more alternative work options? I would love to hear your feedback in the comment box below.
