"A New Approach to Flexibility: Managing the Work/Time Equation"
Catalyst
Sponsor: The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, January 1997.
This study by Catalyst focuses on flexible/part-time work arrangements at four companies. The companies include a leading consulting firm, law firm, technology company and pharmaceutical company – all committed to making flexibility work. The study reviewed the success of the programs from the point of view of all the major stakeholders: the part-time professionals, their colleagues, their supervisors, HR professionals, senior executives, new employees, alumni and clients. Researchers found that these flexible arrangements are important in supporting women in the workplace, but there exists a gap between the companies’ stated support of work/life balance and their actual practices. There are many obstacles to successfully implementing flexible arrangements, including the need for new measures of benefits and negative attitudes about the arrangements. Catalyst found that the work quality and effectiveness of part-time employees does not falter. More than half of employees reported gains in productivity, and supervisors and colleagues agreed. Nearly one-third of workers expected to be promoted. Catalyst concludes that the organizations have fallen short of their goals of providing successful flexible work arrangement programs but also offers useful guidelines for succeeding. The study suggests that companies should approach workplace flexibility with the following methods: strengthen and communicate leadership commitment and vision; articulate a business rationale; focus on continuous learning and improvement; provide guidance and support for professionals; establish explicit expectations in regard to performance; provide systems and structure that support flexibility; and focus on work productivity.
Price: $90.00
