September 18, 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
Retaining a Work Force
"The Southern Idaho Economic Development Organization wrapped up its Workforce Development Summit on Thursday, which underscored the declining labor force in south-central Idaho. However, some employers say they have managed to avoid an labor shortage by increasing retention through creative means. During the Workforce Development Summit, labor officials stressed the importance of creating a flexible workplace that accommodates the needs of future workers.” Mentions Patricia Kempthorne.
Reports
Flexible Work and Well-Being Study
"In March 2005 researchers from the University of Minnesota undertook the Flexible Work and Well-Being Study to investigate a workplace innovation at Best Buy that focuses on the results of employees' work efforts, not the time employees spend at work. The innovation is appropriately called the Results Only Work Environment (ROWE). The aim of the University of Minnesota study is to assess whether working in a ROWE environment changes the nature and quality of employees' work experiences, reduces conflict between employees' work and their family or personal lives, affects employees' health and health-related behaviors, and/or alters their commitment to and perceptions of the organization. This report summarizes findings from two surveys fielded six months apart."