Most Employers Offer Flexibility

02.27.2011
HR & Safety

A new WorldatWork study gauges the impact of flexibility programs on employee attraction, motivation, and retention and also examines the manner in which these programs are managed.

The Survey on Workplace Flexibility reveals that while a vast majority (98%) of U.S. employers offer at least one workplace flexibility program, most (nearly 60%) use an informal approach, i.e., no written policies or forms, up to manager discretion, etc. The study also found that organizations with a stronger culture of flexibility have a lower voluntary turnover rate. In addition, a majority of employers report a positive impact on employee satisfaction, motivation and engagement.

Other key findings:

  • The survey covered 12 flexibility programs and found that, on average, organizations offer six different types at one time. Different sectors emphasize flexibility programs with varying degrees: compressed workweeks are more prevalent in the public sector (68%); part-time schedules are more common among nonprofit organizations (90%); and ad hoc telework is more frequently offered by publicly traded companies (89%).
  • Companies tailor flexibility programs to fit the needs of their workforces as well as their organizational priorities. The most prevalent programs are flex-time (flexible start/stop times), part-time schedules (with or without benefits), and teleworking on an ad hoc basis (meet a repair person, sick child, etc.). Each of these programs are offered to some or all employees in more than 80% of surveyed companies; when offered they are also the most commonly used by employees, with flex-time the highest ranked.
  • Obstacles to the adoption of flexibility programs include: lack of training; top management resistance (more so than middle management); and lack of employee interest in programs such as phased return from leave, phased retirement, and career on/off ramps

For more information: www.worldatwork.org/waw/adimLink?id=48294

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Stay Connected with CBIA News Digests

The latest news and information delivered directly to your inbox.

CBIA IS FIGHTING TO MAKE CONNECTICUT A TOP STATE FOR BUSINESS, JOBS, AND ECONOMIC GROWTH. A BETTER BUSINESS CLIMATE MEANS A BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR EVERYONE.