Flex time scheduling in the workplace has grown in the last 20 years. The structure of flex time schedules varies among companies when it comes to determining when employees can start and end their work day. But the most common flex time arrangement is when employees work a 2-part schedule. There required “core hours,” which are the times when all employees must be present, but as long as they work the agreed number of hours, employees can pretty much manage their own work schedules.
Flexible schedules for many employers has resulted in more productive employees, improved customer service and better employee morale while in the workplace. With all of the benefits flex time schedules can bring employers, it is important to establish clear guidelines and procedures when introducing this alternative scheduling option. This guide will help companies navigate the process of implementing flex time schedules into their organizations by first:
1. Defining employee roles when offering flex time in the workplace;
2. Establishing a good communication process for all departments;
3. Reviewing the duties of the employees being considered for flex time to see if it will work in the company’s best interest.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Consider a flex time schedule that allows workers to telecommute from home on certain days
If you are considering flex time proposals, you need to clarify your employee's roles and what they are expected to accomplish day-in and day-out. You will also be creating flex time policies and including telecommuting for certain positions can be a smart one. It can be cost effective reducing the cost of office overhead.
I recommend: Stay in the loop even on the days that you are working from home.
Webex online meetings allows you to attend web meetings and share work spaces online without installing expensive, complicated software.
Skype is also a great way to stay in touch using its business features including free phone calls, video and instant messaging online for optimum communication.
Make flex scheduling a success by improving inter-department communications
When employees are working varied shifts, there may be times when managers and supervisors will not be available to troubleshoot issues with them. There could also be instances of failure to effectively pass along important information between two co-workers working flexible schedules.
I recommend: Online courses like
eVital Communications and
BizTrain provide training and plans for improving communication issues in the workplace.
Review your employees work tasks to determine if flex scheduling will work for your business
If you are on the fence about approving flex time proposals for your company, what could help is to develop a system that allows you to access the work your employees perform so you can provide valuable feedback and determine the best way to establish flex scheduling and appropriate flex time policies to ensure a smooth transition.
I recommend: Business management tools like
ManagerAssistant and
SuccessFactors can help you access your employees and their work tasks. They even provide feedback for improving their current performance and managing flex time once scheduling changes are made. This kind of information could be valuable as you create a flex time policy.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Schedule periodic evaluations throughout the initial trial period once flex scheduling has been implemented.
- Management may modify flex time in the workplace depending on changing company needs for a better flex schedule.
The official source of Flex Time is the Flex Time page at Business.com
Related Resources from Business.com
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