October 10, 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
Who claims the family policy agenda?
“Sarah Palin has no doubt boosted John McCain's ratings in the polls. Long silent on the issue of family policy, Palin's mere presence on the Republican ticket speaks to American voters and implies a steadfast support for women, children and the American family. Hungry for a candidate who speaks to their issues, Americans have been captured by the symbolic blend of mother, family and politics. As attractive as Palin's mother-of-five image may be, however, Americans should be wary. One woman's personal accomplishments should not be confused with the opportunities that might be afforded to millions of families if Barack Obama's proposed policies were implemented. McCain lacks an articulated family-policy platform, a consistent view on women's issues, and a perspective on government's role vis-À-vis children beyond the walls of the schoolhouse. Obama, on the other hand, has well-defined plans for tackling teenage pregnancy, expanding early-childhood education, improving child-support collection, and - importantly - supporting new families as they step into the uncertain terrain of parenthood.”
Businesses urge 'no' vote on sick leave
“Business leaders voiced a loud "no" today to a city of Milwaukee referendum that would require employers to provide paid sick leave to their employees. The referendum that will be on the Nov. 4 ballot in the city of Milwaukee will be expensive, discourage and displace business and cost the city jobs, opponents said at a meeting sponsored by the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce at the University Club. MMAC President Tim Sheehy said members have expressed "loud and strong objections" to the measure that they hope to defeat.”
Retirement planning: Nest egg or goose egg?
“For Gayle and Jerry Dustrud, retirement meant buying a high-rise condo in downtown Minneapolis. Enjoying a three-week trip to China. Seeing shows at Orchestra Hall. Suddenly, it might mean taking part-time jobs. [. . .] Folks on the streets of downtown Minneapolis confirmed the effects experts had predicted. Baby boomers once on the brink of retirement now expect to continue working longer. Retirees are struggling to figure out how they'll last on what's left. [. . .] The recent bad news -- the Dow has lost more than 1,000 points since Friday's close -- will likely escalate an existing trend, experts said. Nationwide, the number of people age 65 and older working full time has been climbing, said Kyle Uphoff, regional analysis manager at the Department of Employment and Economic Development. Speculation mostly centers on rising health care costs, Uphoff said.”
Retirement Savings Lose $2 Trillion in 15 Months
“The stock market's prolonged tumble has wiped out about $2 trillion in Americans' retirement savings in the past 15 months, a blow that could force workers to stay on the job longer than planned, rein in spending and possibly further stall an economy reliant on consumer dollars, Congress's top budget analyst said yesterday. For many Americans, pensions and 401(k) plans are their only form of savings. The dwindling of these assets -- about a 20 percent decline overall -- is another setback just as many people are grappling with higher gas and food prices, more credit card debt, declining home values and less access to loans.”
Rising Gas Prices Put a Squeeze on the Work Week
“With the dramatic increase in gasoline prices in the U.S., an increasing number of workplaces around the country are looking into ways to reduce the number of commute trips their employees have to make. One of the most popular solutions is the compressed work week consisting of four 10-hour days. [. . .] For the roughly 103 million people who are on a traditional 8-hour work schedule, changing to four 10-hour workdays will eliminate one commuting trip each week. With the average U.S. round-trip commute of 30.6 miles and the average fuel consumption rate of 20.2 miles per gallon, this could theoretically save 7.8 billion gallons of fuel a year if everyone adopted 4x10 schedules [see Table 1]. We say "theoretically" because eliminating a commute trip doesn't mean people won't drive somewhere on their day off. However, as the price of gasoline continues to rise, people will tend to use their cars only when absolutely necessary.”
An Executive Downshifts From Marketing Fast Lane
“As a busy marketing executive, Susanne Lyons always wanted a dog but never had time for one. But all that changed last year when Ms. Lyons "pre-tired," as she describes her early retirement from the fast lane. Today, she has a dog named Izzy, and time to walk her every day. At 50, she wasn't looking for full-fledged retirement, rather a lifestyle change and a chance to do things she didn't get to do during her career. Today, she sits on a handful of boards and consults with businesses and people looking for marketing expertise. In her free time, she works at her children's schools, volunteers at the local wildlife-rehabilitation center, exercises and gardens.”
The Baby Blues
“Krista Blaisdell -- just three weeks after giving birth to her daughter -- is already having to face the harsh reality of leaving her newborn in day care to head back to work. With only two weeks remaining in her maternity leave, the Impress Communications employee will soon become one of the many working mothers whom employers across the country try to accommodate. The influx of mothers into the work force in the last two decades and the passage of the Family and Medical Leave Act has resulted in a more flexible corporate environment for new mothers, whether they are switching jobs or simply opting to stay home.”
First Ever Presidential Platforms on Workplace Flexibility
“Top Leadership from the Obama and McCain teams presented their approach to work life and responded to your questions on workplace and workforce issues. Participants heard decision makers discuss issues such as flexibility and the role of government in providing or encouraging work life assistance.”
Blogs
Obama and McCain's Stances on Work-Life Issues
“Washington hasn’t made any major moves to alter employees’ juggling act since the Family and Medical Leave Act was passed in 1993. For the most part, trendsetting work-life policies have come from the private sector or the states. Now, for the first time, the presidential candidates have laid out for comparison their platforms on work-life policy issues, including family leave and flexible scheduling. Ellen Galinsky, president of the nonprofit Families and Work Institute, a nonpartisan research organization, quizzed spokesmen for both candidates’ campaign organizations recently in a conference call with more than 100 corporate executives and advocates. Transcripts were published today on the institute’s Web site.”
What Women Wish Gwen Ifill Could Have Asked
“Recently I asked my college students whether they'd ever been told to come to work sick. Nearly every one raised their hand. These are the workers who serve us food, care for our kids, handle our groceries. My students typically have no choice - they rely on their jobs to pay for their education. Most workers are in the same boat. My students are beginning to understand the consequences on Wall Street when we don't have standards in place - the system crumbles. We also need labor standards to ensure opportunities for those on Main Street. Paid sick days and affordable family leave are as basic today as minimum wage and ending child labor were 70 years ago.”
Take Your Baby to Work Day?
“Organizations that allow, and even encourage, working moms and dads to bring their babies to work are growing across the country. According to the Parenting in the Workplace Institute, “more than 100 organizations have successfully allowed babies in the workplace.” Typically, parents bring their babies to work until they are six to eight months old, or until they crawl. Although many workers and managers in organizations are skeptical that this is a feasible arrangement, Carla Moquin reports that doubters often come around when they see the success of these programs.”
Not Just for Families. . .National Work and Family Month?
“We operate in “always on,” “do more with less” reality where change is constant and increasing in frequency. We all need flexibility in where, when and how work is done, both day-to-day flexibility and formal flex plans. We need leaves of absence, and other direct programs and policies that help us to flexibly manage all of the personal work+life transitions—parenting, eldercare, retirement, continuing education, community service, etc—most of us will experience at one time or another.”
Global News
Work-life balance improving
“New Zealanders are more positive about their work-life balance than three years ago, according to Department of Labour research. But the report shows most employees still find it difficult to strike the right balance. The report which summarises two surveys - one of 1,100 employers and the other of 1,004 workers - says that on a scale of one to six the average weighting given by workers for work-life balance is 4.25. That is higher than an average of 3.63 in 2005. More than two-thirds of employers report they are supportive of flexible work, with 60% believing it has a positive effect.”
Just Call 'Em New Collar
“Anila Umar's definition of work-life balance may sound hectic to many Canadians. The 30-year-old Calgarian is a part-time photojournalist, human resources consultant, arts and culture co-ordinator and community engagement strategist. That's on top of her numerous volunteer activities. But like an increasing number of twenty-and thirtysomethings, Ms. Umar has shunned a nine-to-five routine to pursue her passions and define her own version of work-life balance. She couldn't be happier. [. . .] Increasingly, young graduates are opting for several part-time, hourly or contract jobs, recruiters say. Many don't want to work for a company at all and start their own businesses.”