January 8, 2008.
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 WF2010@law.georgetown.edu
Articles
50 Best Employers in Canada Offer Flexibility, Demonstrate Integrity, According to Hewitt Associates
“The 50 Best Employers are generally more successful at offering the appropriate flexibility and balance than other organizations, especially those at the top of the list.”
Nomads Unite in 'Coworking' Offices
“As a sole proprietor who works primarily online, every day I face a painful decision: work from home or go to a coffeehouse? Marketing consultant Chris Haddad has found a third option: coworking. Every weekday he heads to Office Nomads, a shared office space.”
Maybe You Shouldn't Retire Gradually
“A new study from Boston College's Center for Retirement Research says phasing into retirement won't make you any happier, once you retire, than leaving the workforce "cold turkey."”
N.J. family leave bill: Compassion vs. cost
“Advocates say [the bill] recognizes the needs of today's working families. Opponents say it will be bad for business. If it does not pass by Jan. 7, when the legislative session closes, efforts to pass it would have to start from scratch.”
Phased Retirement Offers Flexibility for Baby Boomers:
With Canada facing labour shortages in many areas, innovative solutions are important
Work-stress Mother who Miscarried Wins her Case Against Barbican Bosses
Turning A New Page on Elder Care Issues
“35% of the U.S. working population has faced elder care responsibilities in the past year. Elder care is defined as helping someone 65 years or older do things that they can't do for themselves…. The National Study of Employers said that 79% of companies offer flexible work hours to allow staff to handle elder care issues.”
What's Ahead for Volunteering, Flex Time, and Working Moms
“It's been a year of significant work-life gains for many employees, with the expanding economy driving increases in work-at-home and other forms of job flexibility. Although a shaky economy could jeopardize those gains, other new patterns are emerging, driven in part by a new generation of young people in the work force. A look at work-life trends for 2008.”
Will First Baby Boomers Retire on Schedule?
“"While we're looking at flexible workplaces for older workers, we're looking at flexible workplaces for Gen. X and Gen. Y," said Sharon Masling, an attorney for Workplace Flexibility 2010. She said the flexibility that older workers may use to work part-time also allows parents to care for children, workers to take time off for graduate school and members of the so-called sandwich generation to balance the family obligations of their parents and children.”
Workplace Tensions Rise as Dads Seek Family Time
“Fathers press for more family time and something other than a traditional career path. As dads demand paternity leave, flexible work schedules, telecommuting and other new benefits, they've ignited what workplace specialists are calling the Daddy Wars.”
The New Age of Retirement
“Americans had been retiring at ever-younger ages over the past 50 years, cashing in on private pensions and Social Security, the Brookings Institution reports. But that trend seems to be reversing.... You don't want to outlive your money. Sometimes that means continuing to work part time.”
Blogs
Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce to Host Roundtable to Discuss Flexible Workplace Practices
“Best practices will be featured at the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce’s When Work Works roundtable on Thursday, January 10. The Chamber has been selected by the Families and Work Institute and Alfred P. Sloan Foundation to inform businesses in the region about trends in personnel management and to recognize effective and flexible workplaces in the 21st Century.”
Peaceful Revolution: Maternal Profiling: A New York Times Buzzword
“Even in well-paid positions, mothers face discrimination. A Cornell University study found that mothers were offered $11,000 less in starting pay than non-mothers with the same resumes and job experience, while fathers were offered $6,000 more in starting pay”
Reports
CareerBuilder Sees 8 Recruiting Trends Gaining from Slow, Steady Job Growth in 2008
The 8 recruiting trends identified in the report include a greater focus on perks and benefits as incentives, as well as an increase in flexible work arrangements and a growing number of retiree and contract/temporary hires.
Survey: A Quarter of US Workers Telecommute Regularly
“A survey released Tuesday by Citrix Online found that 23 percent of American workers regularly do their jobs from someplace besides the office, and that 62 percent of respondents who cannot work off-site would like to. The survey also found that workers prized the ability to telecommute more highly than stock options or on-site child care.”
Press Release
Flexperience Celebrates the Top 25 Women of 2007
“This award honors women on a leadership path that is considered by many to be “non-traditional.” Corporate leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals at all levels – these women are leading the way in a new era by making flexible career strategies work for themselves and for others.”