October 31, 2006
The Workplace Flexibility 2010 News Roundup is a compilation of the latest news articles, reports and other materials related to workplace flexibility. The News Roundup appears twice-weekly. If you have questions about any of the items, please contact Jennifer Hedrick at jlh62@law.georgetown.edu.
Articles
The Truth Behind Women 'Opting Out'
"When New York Times reporter Lisa Belkin coined the phrase ‘the opt-out revolution’ in 2003 to describe a supposed exodus of mothers from the workforce, her article sparked a media flurry. Other journalists rushed to find their own examples of women heading home for family reasons. But don't think of it as a trend. Much of the talk about women ‘opting out’ to care for their families is a myth, two studies report." Mentions Joan Williams.
Adjusting for Flexibility in Workplace: Employers Feeling the Effects of Aging, Retiring Work Force
"Employers are going to have to adjust to workers and not the other way around, even though that is the tradition of worker-employer relationships. That was the message delivered by several work force experts at a Manufacturer’s Week luncheon hosted by the Winona Area Chamber of Commerce on Friday.”
Older Workers' Skills Keep Them in Demand
"With the first of 78 million baby boomers turning 60 this year, the U.S. faces a shortfall in skilled workers that promises to accelerate as more employees move toward retirement. Employees 55 and older made up 16 percent of the work force in 2004, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. They are projected to be 21 percent of those working in 2014, with the fastest-growing segment being people over 64. To stay competitive, employers are turning to [George] Porter and millions of other older workers, offering financial incentives, flexible schedules and jobs tailored to their talents.”