flexibility in the workplace...someone's listening
I had the privelege of being involved in a listening tour led by the Sex Discrimination Commissioner & Commissioner Responsible for Age Discrimination - Elizabeth Broderick. Elizabeth is a long time advocate of flexibility in the workplace. And what's more - she blogs! That's two big ticks from Adage.
One of the gems from her recent blog is this piece of research from the UK equivalent's commission.
”Half the workforce wants to work more flexible hours …research revealed 6.5 million people, including 2.9 million graduates, are not fully using their skills and experience at work and would have made different choices if flexible working had been available. Belying the assumption that flexible working is only for those with caring responsibilities, only 2.9 million are parents and 3.6 million non-parents…This waste to talent can’t continue if our economy is to survive the challenges or wider competition in global markets. Creative new ways of working would enable this ‘lost’ generation of workers to use their skills in ways that they want and the economy needs.”
We have bravely put a new tab on our Adage job board - aimed at flexiworkers. Let's hope enlightened employers tackle the task of designing fabulous flexible roles that really work.
Labels: Elizabeth Broderick, flexiworker, HREOC
posted by Adage at 4:18 PM
2 Comments:
So far in the two companies I've worked for out of college, both have had great flexibility in terms of when I can show up, when I can leave, etc. It gives a sense of empowerment that you aren't locked down to a rigid schedule. However, on the flip side, companies still need core hours - when you need help from other people to do your work, and that person has decided to come in at noon and work until 9pm, there's a problem there.
Erik
i4cp
3:39 AM
You're right Erik - it is a balance between what the employer needs and what the employee wants. The point is, it can be done! It's about having the right conversations and a flexible mindset.
10:46 AM
Post a Comment
Links to this post:
Create a Link
<< Home