Most Connecticut employers would agree that workforce flexibility options are rapidly becoming part of the “new normal” – an accepted and expected part of how all organizations operate. Throughout our state and across the nation, HR managers and business owners are learning more about the benefits a flexible workplace offers, including:
- Enhanced recruiting. A comprehensive workplace flexibility program can be an effective sourcing tool, providing a real competitive advantage for your company. Offering flexibility options that matter to employees, and featuring those options when recruiting talent, can help you distinguish your company as an employer-of-choice.
- Increased retention. A stronger culture of flexibility correlates with a lower voluntary turnover rate.
- Improved engagement. A majority of employers report that workplace flexibility positively impacts employee satisfaction, motivation and engagement.
So what does the latest workforce flexibility research show?
According to the Families and Work Institute’s (FWI) 2012 National Study of Employers (NSE), U.S. employers are offering employees more flexible options to accomplish their work. But while employees now have more choices as to the times and places in which they work, fewer are offered extended time away from work.
The NSE is notable in that it is the only study of U.S. employers that comprehensively assesses a broad array of programs, policies, and benefits designed to address the changing need of employees among a nationally representative sample.
Here are a few key findings from the FWI study:
Flexible Work Options on the Rise
- Flex time is now offered by 77 percent of workplaces, up from 66 percent in 2005.
- Nearly twice as many employers (63 percent) now offer telecommuting as compared with 2005 (34 percent).
- Daily time off when important needs arise has also increased to 87 percent, up from 77 percent.
Limited Flexibility Around Reducing Hours Worked
- Moving from part-time to full-time status and back again has dropped from 54 to 41 percent.
- Taking career breaks for reasons including family and personal responsibilities has dropped from 73 to 52 percent.
The results of the study point to two key workforce management considerations for organizations. First, as flexible scheduling and workplaces become more common, organizations that fail to adopt these options run the risk of being outperformed by competitors who benefit from lower operating costs.
Second, organizations that offer more flexibility around reduced time, caregiving leaves and flex careers will have a competitive edge in recruiting and retaining employees, as the aging workforce and the work/life balance needs of younger employees become increasingly important drivers in the labor market.
A.R. Mazzotta Provides the Flexibility Connecticut Employers Need
You work hard to offer flexible options that work for your employees. A.R. Mazzotta works hard to offer flexible staffing options that work for you. Contact us today to learn more about our Connecticut staffing services.