July 10, 2007
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
Telecommuting Slow to Catch on at Largest State Agencies
"Nearly three years after 36 Texas state agencies joined the Clean Air Partners program, state workers who telecommute are counted not by the thousands but by the hundreds. Some state agencies have outright bans on working from home. In spite of technological advances, telecommuting still faces old-fashioned problems: resistance from managers and jobs that require interface with people rather than computer screens.”
Pass the Pasta, Please, and Hold the Stress
"Create a happy, healthy work environment for your employees, and they will be happier, healthier -- and more productive. That's the economic calculation underpinning the surge of wellness and other employee programs in companies around the United States.”
In the Summertime, Enjoy Flexible Fridays
"Come summertime, many employees at public relations and marketing firm Imre Communications in Towson take off early Fridays to jump-start their beach weekend, spend a mother-daughter day at the salon or to run errands. Imre's half-days on Fridays is one example of how employers are offering flexible hours and schedules during summer's hazy days when distractions are plenty, workplace consultants say.”
Making the Most of your Telecommute
"For some cubicle monkeys, working from home sounds downright cushy: reclining in your PJs with a laptop propped up on your knees, a plate of freshly toasted Pop Tarts at your side, and ''The Price Is Right'' twinkling in the background. But as the millions of telecommuters out there can tell you, it's not like that at all. Not only do you need to be just as alert, productive and professional at home as you are in the office, you also have to make sure your boss knows you are.”
Op-eds
Workplaces Must be Flexible to Keep Talented Employees
"Boise is the third fastest-growing city in the nation — and the ability to attract new talent will be vital to its future business success. Yet while Boise has the good fortune of supporting a highly skilled work force today, it might not always be that way.For the first time in American history, the number of young workers entering the work force is not enough to replace those that are leaving…To address the situation, business leaders may have to consider new approaches to managing their human resources. One good place to start may be the workplace. If it's short on flexibility, the workplace can be a huge impediment in meeting the needs of the ‘next generation’ of workers.”