June 19, 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
Celebrating the Hands-on Dad
"It's no longer a shock to see a dad on the playground, at the pediatrician's office, or among the ranks of the PTA, and this is cause enough for celebration on Father's Day. The hands-on dad is here to stay. But among their ranks are a few pioneers who are redefining fatherhood in an especially exciting way. These men are working with their spouses to carve out equality both at home and at work so that parenting, career advancement, and all of life's rewards and challenges are shouldered and shared."
As Temperatures Rise, So Does Sick Day Use
“U.S. workers might be leaving vacation days unused, staying tethered to the job while on vacation and coming in when they're sick, but when a beautiful day on the golf course or beach beckons during the summer, more than a third suddenly find they’re too ill—wink, wink—to work. It is a huge issue for employers because it impacts productivity by leaving work undone or in the lap of colleagues and could set a workplace precedent, according to Massachusetts-based Kronos Inc., which helps organizations manage their workforce.”
With Mom at Work, More Dads Stay Home
"David Monk is quick to label his wife, Kristy, as the family's ‘breadwinner’ because of her full-time job at American Electric Power. Monk, who used to work in human resources, calls himself a ‘Mr. Mom’ now that his primary job is caring for the Pickerington couple's two sons. The situation no longer is the stuff of wacky 1980s comedies. In 2006, there were 332,000 stay-at-home dads in the United States, 83 percent more than in 1996…” Mentions Ellen Galinsky.
Tories Would Extend Flexible Working to All Parents
"All parents will have the right to ask for flexible working arrangements under a Conservative government, David Cameron said today. Highlighting the wide-ranging benefits of flexible working in the workplace, the Tory leader said that the Conservatives would go further than the Labour government on flexible working arrangements for working parents.”
Working from Home a Work in Progress
"This year's run-up in gasoline prices has prompted a new round of interest in at-home work programs, which were outlined at a Senate subcommittee hearing last week. Telecommuting two days a week would save the average full-time federal employee about $55 per month, according to testimony by the Telework Exchange, a group that has urged the government to expand telecommuting options for government employees.”