Mar 08 2009
Designing Job Flexibility for your workers.
Smart employers keep talented employees by providing flexibility in when they work, and often where they work and importantly how they work. They allow employees to balance personal responsibilities and work productivity.
Here are some strategies for managers in designing incentive for work-life balance. Which one might work for you?
? If employees need to travel during weekends, offer something in exchange. For example allowing family members to travel with the employee.
? If employees travel to areas where they have family or friends, allow them to spend extra time to visit those people at the beginning or end of the trip.
? If company prohibits bringing animals/pets to work, consider alternatives like arranging picnic/social gathering where their pets are welcome.
? Give your employees a flexible day off per year to be used for their special occasion. Sometimes, you may allow them to go home early on their birthdays for celebrating their happy occasion. Or consider arranging a gathering party for your team and their families. Welcome their family members, go for fun together and strengthen the social bond.
? When an employee request to work from home, explore both advantages and disadvantages carefully. Be creative about how that might work to benefit both the employee and your team.
? When giving employees flexibility to work from home, also consider subsidizing your employees’ home Internet service costs. These cost are small compared with the productivity you’ll get in return.
