Alternative work schedules are arrangements that allow employees to vary their hours, work from home more, and generally have more flexibility, but they do not decrease the total number of hours an employee is required to work. These types of schedules are becoming increasingly popular over the last several years.
There are good reasons for the increasing popularity of alternative work schedules. In many households both adults work full-time. Parents spend significantly more time shuttling their children from one activity to the next. We live further away from our schools and work than we used to and spend significantly more time commuting. We have also become more focused on ourselves – in a good way. We have realized the need for the occasional long weekend and the benefits of having (and using) a gym membership. In short, people are busy. Alternative schedules can lessen the anxiety that often goes hand-in-hand with a demanding lifestyle. They allow more flexibility and reduce time-consuming stressors such as long commutes and trying to schedule appointments during working hours. Here are some of the benefits of alternative work schedules:
INSIGHTS FOR EMPLOYERS
The trend is certainly toward allowing employees more freedom to work where and when they please (to an extent), and by-and-in-large, flexible schedules have paid off for employers. There are some issues that employers should carefully consider before implementing an alternative work policy at their company.
Like many changes, most companies will likely experience some growing pains in implementing alternative work schedules, but given the success many employers have experienced, allowing employees’ flexibility is certainly something to consider.
Please contact a Gjording Fouser lawyer at 208.336.9777 if you would like any additional information about this topic or any other employment issues facing your company.