I just read an article about workplace flexibility. It discusses research done by professors at the University of Minnesota and the University of Delaware. They talk about how it is healthier for employees to have a more flexible work schedule because they are more likely to go to the doctor when needed and get the recommended 7-8 hours of sleep that your body needs. This research is discussed in conjunction with research that was conducted at Wake Forest University of Medicine that also talks about workplace flexibility and healthier lifestyles. Workplace flexibility deals with societal environmental factors because the way in which people are most productive has changed over the years. These changes have come about because families are trying to spend more time together and less time in the confines of a cubicle.
From personal experience I find that having a flexible work schedule helps to not only keep me healthy physically but it also helps mentally. Which I think is even more important. Being able to go to work a few hours later or being able to work from home make me more likely to stay late in the office if I really need to in order to get a project done on time. These flexible policies produce a loyalty to the company.
Hi Justin,
ReplyDeleteI strongly believe in a flexible work hours. It is always nerve racking when you have to be at work at 8:00-not a minute after or your late, say you get stuck in traffic, then you have to call your employer to tell them you will be late which could be burdensome for both parties. I think it is just overall easier to let employees come in a few minutes late-sometimes it is just unexpected life things that get in the way, such as a traffic jam. I think that can be mentally exhausting worrying if you will get there right when the clock turns 8. Also, even letting adults with families staying home once or twice a week and work from home will let you relax more and not worry about every little thing that happens in the office-thus you will even be more productive from home.
I also recently researched telecommuting as an alternative work schedule. How do you address the issue of "out of sight, out of mind" that may emerge between on-site and off-site employees?
ReplyDeleteTo respond to Lynn's post, there is absolutely no reason an employee should be habitually late. If traffic is an issue in the morning, plan accordingly. If employees are allowed to show up at work when they please, a "few minutes late" increases every time to the point where eventually money is being lost by the company. I am completley sympathetic if some disaster happens that prevents an employee from arriving on time once in a while, but arriving to work on time is an implied job requirement.
ReplyDeleteConcerning "telecommuting," I feel it is a good idea to allow flexibility to people who have children or other circumstances like that. Ensuring employees are accomplishing their work is key to maintaining a productive employee. As long as the employee is doing his/her job, letting him work from home gets the job done, and increases employee morale.
In regards to "out of sight, out of mind", I would say that is where project management software such as Microsoft Project or TeamWork PM come into play. Since they allow a company or manager to track projects and tasks with due dates assigned there should be less leeway for "out of sight, out of mind" to be used as an excuse.
ReplyDelete