Small businesses can increase productivity, employee satisfaction and help in recruiting quality personnel by being innovative in flexible scheduling for their employees. Compressed work weeks are one such option and are being adopted by many companies, both small and large.
This type of work week usually involves:
- A 4-day work week, with 10-hour days
- A 3-day work week, with 12-hour days
- A 4-½ day work week, with 9 hours for four days and one 4-hour day
Dow Corning was listed as one of the 100 best employers to work for by Working Mother Magazine. Some of the ways the company helps its employees is by offering a compressed work week. According to Flex Options Guide, a publication by Women Entrepreneurs, Inc, Dow Corning took the flexibility option even further, understanding that family needs change throughout the year. Employees have the option of working regular eight-hour days during the school year and working on a compressed work week schedule during the summer time, when children are off school.
Additionally, its customer care center, which required a full staff Monday through Friday during the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, made a change in the scheduling, allowing employees to take over every fourth Friday.
Creating systems for flexible work schedules can help small companies compete in recruiting high quality personnel. Potential employees can see the benefit of working for a company that stresses quality of work, rather than being present at a desk during certain hours. They can appreciate a company that understands the value of their family commitment and works with them to provide scheduling that allows them more time with their children.
Small businesses can benefit from flexible working schedules because employees more satisfied with their work environment will perform better and they may see increased productivity. Adopting an attitude that rewards quality of work over time spent at work is better for everyone.
Compressed Work Weeks May Help to Reduce Stress in Employees by:
- Reducing overall commuting time
- Reducing fears about being tardy
- Meeting household and personal responsibilities
According to an article in HR Magazine (Dominic Bencivenga, 1995) 40% of companies were offering some type of compressed work week, even if just for summer hours. An additional 30% of companies were considering some type of flexible hours schedule.
Some people, however, fear that compressed work weeks will lead to reduced productivity due to long hours, higher administrative responsibilities and reduced ability to complete employee evaluations.
However, companies such as Dow Corning see many benefits of providing flexibility to their employees and will continue to do so in the future.
For more information on Flexible Scheduling:
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References:
Alternative Work Schedules, TDM Encyclopedia, March 2007
Flex Options Guide, Women Entrepreneurs Inc
Eileen Bailey - Eileen Bailey is a freelance writer. She began her writing career almost 20 years ago writing marketing material and sales presentations. ...
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