Know Your Flexible Work Options

  

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There are many talented moms out there actively seeking to re-enter the paid workforce or gearing up to do so in the future.  As experts in flexible staffing, Mom Corps team members are often asked about crucial skills for today’s workplace. In our monthly blog series, Career Confidential, we share smart strategies for career re-launchers.

Despite a challenging economy, "flexible work options" continues to be a hot topic of discussion amongst  professionals currently managing a busy career and those who may be considering a return to work after taking a break to manage family demands.  In fact, Mom Corps and Harris Interactive recently conducted a survey among working adults that showed that 3 in 5 working adults agree that flexibility is one of the most important factors they consider when looking for a new job or deciding which companies would be ideal employers.

So what about you? Are flexible work options what you want and are you willing to ask for them?  Perhaps you are seeking part-time hours, some hours working from home, or a condensed work week, but are afraid of broaching the topic with you boss or future boss.  Mom Corps CEO, Allison O'Kelly, has some great advice on how to tackle this hurdle in your career. She recently shared her expertise in workplace flexibility in an article that you can download below, but here are a few excerpts from the article.

How do you know if flexible work options are something that makes sense for you? Here are two key points to consider when determining the right path:

• What flexible work scenario best fits your particular work environment and responsibilities?
• How do I approach my manager about work alternatives?

First, identify what your job and work environment will comfortable allow you to do. The Family and Work Institute defines "workplace flexibility" as enabling employees to exercise some measure of control over when, where and how much they work.  By their definition, workplace flexibility must "work" for the employee and the employer, rather than just one or the other.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach-- that would assume everybody has the same life, the same familial responsibilities, the same work preferences, the same productivity levels, etc.  Instead be thoughtful about why you want or need to incorporate a flexible aspect to your work day.  Will it give you two extra hours with your kids by not having to commute? Are the cost savings significant especially given rising fuel costs? Will a few hours of focused quiet time outside an active work environment allow you to be more productive?

Then, shift your focus and think about what is a workable arrangement for your organization, your team and your specific role.

 Click here to download entire article in PDF format .