 |
Do compressed weeks always fit?
Dear Helen:
A department head has requested permission for some of her employees to work four 10-hour days a week. We are all salaried employees here, and the comments I hear in the corporate office are, "Hey, we put in 10-hour days all five days a week, so why should others be given an extra day off? It isn't fair." I'm dragging my feet on a decision so we agreed to get another opinionyours! Reluctant VP
Dear Reluctant:
First of all, alternative schedules might not be appropriate for you if you regularly work 60 plus hours a week, or for the executive level in many organizations, since only so many hours fit in a day and your job may require that much "face time." But other managers and department staff may be another matter. In fact, some major corporations are considering compressed work week and telework options for their salaried professionals to help avoid job burn-out. And the employees are saying "I love my job and I don't mind putting in more than 40 hours in four days if only I could have three days off."
Secondly, alternative schedules and flexible work arrangements are a privilege not a right, to be made available to employees only when it is appropriate for a job function and department, and based on the employee's track record and ability to work longer days or independently. The same people who are conscientious employees five days a week, will not suddenly change their stripes. So, if the work gets done well and on time, does it really matter where or when the work gets done?
Recognize, too, that change makes us wary. More than 80% of companies prefer to wait for changes in work culture to become standard among other companies rather than adjusting while it is still viewed as progressive. The compressed work week is fast becoming a standard work option, and there are plenty of existing policies and solutions to the time-keeping issues, so if you haven't any better arguments than envy against the concept, get on with it.
Good Luck. H.O.V.
BACK TO COMMUTER CHALLENGE HOME PAGE