which meet two goals: 1) prevent employees from feeling overburdened by work or burnt out by their jobs, and 2) help to prevent family or home demands from spilling over into the workplace. Among the many work/family initiatives that can assist in accomplishing these goals (resource and referral services, on-site child care, employee assistance programs, seminars, tuition assistance, adoption assistance), alternative work arrangements are among the most vital aspects of post-downsizing Human Resources management. What is flexibility? In general, it is an employees ability to adjust his or her work time or workplace when personal needs conflict with a current work schedule. Of the many opportunities which flexible work patterns provide, the most common include: Increased productivity. Organizations have noted productivity increases after having implemented flexible work patterns. There are several possible reasons; elimination of commute stress; working at home which can allow employees to avoid interruptions and distractions that often exist in the office; increased morale which may serve as a motivator; and work schedules which can be arranged to take advantage of the employee's most productive work periods. Lower use of sick leave. Flexible work patterns can reduce the amount of sick leave used by employees in two ways: escaping the pressure of commuting or tight daily schedules can make some employees less susceptible to illness; sometimes employees who are injured or ill, and otherwise not inclined to dress for work and make the drive to the office, may still feel able to work, if at home; flexible work patterns give employees an opportunity to conduct personal business during the day and reduce the amount of time off work. Improved employee morale. Employers who have instituted flexible work patterns have noted some increase in employee morale. This may be due to the increased flexibility and time for personal business; improved w...
