Dive Brief:
- According to new research by WorldatWork and FlexJobs, the majority of companies surveyed (80%) offer flexible work arrangements to employees. However, only 37% of those surveyed report they have a formal, written philosophy or policy to support employee flexibility options.
- According to the survey, mastering a culture of workplace flexibility is not something that organizations do on the first or even second try. It’s an evolutionary process that occurs as employees tap into what they need to achieve work-life effectiveness.
- WorldatWork, a non-profit human resources association and FlexJobs, an online career site, released the findings of the survey, “Trends in Workplace Flexibility”, at a national roundtable discussion, “Rethinking the Workweek.”
Dive Insight:
The most prevalent flexibility programs offered are telework days on an ad-hoc basis, flex time and compressed workweeks. From 2011 to 2015, flexibility programs have varied according to the type of program offered and the organization’s demographics, industry and culture. Additionally, 41% of those surveyed report that access to flexible work arrangements is not widespread to all employees.
“Top employers today understand the valid reasons for creating new ways of working. However, we’re still witnessing a lack of training and resistance from management,” said Anne C. Ruddy, president and CEO of WorldatWork. “Without a formal program in place, it’s difficult to measure flexibility’s effectiveness. Until that happens, companies will not see cost saving benefits, productivity gains and increased employee retention, which all comes from workplace flexibility."
