The Diversity & Flexibility Alliance is a think tank dedicated to creating work environments centered on inclusion and innovative thought leadership. The Alliance empowers organizations with the tools necessary for advancing women, fostering flexibility, and retaining top talent.
To learn how we can help your organization, please get in touch.
Action Step – Elements of a Well-Crafted Reduced Hours Policy
The Alliance’s Action Steps are designed to assist organizations with implementing practical strategies and policies related to diversity and flexibility. Members can access full versions of all of the Alliance’s Action Steps in the Member Resource Center.
ELEMENTS OF A WELL-CRAFTED REDUCED HOURS POLICY
Reduced hours schedules are a critical part of holistic flexibility policies, which recognize that a diverse workforce requires different ways of getting great work done. Yet, reduced hours schedules tend to be the most stigmatized form of flexibility, too often misconstrued to signal a lack of commitment to one’s career. Reduced hours professionals were also once subjected to formal haircuts – that is, being paid less than the time agreed to work (e.g., 60 percent pay for a 75 percent schedule) – and many still do not receive a true-up when they work more than their agreed upon schedule. For these reasons and more, it is important for organizations to send a clear message of support for reduced hours schedules through a well-written policy that addresses the following key areas…
Action Step – Teaching Flex Success™
The Alliance’s Action Steps are designed to assist organizations with implementing practical strategies and policies related to diversity and flexibility. Members can access full versions of all of the Alliance’s Action Steps in the Member Resource Center.
TEACHING FLEX SUCCESS™
Holding everyone within an organization accountable for its flexibility program is critical to its success. Individuals, however, must first know what is expected of them and have the opportunity to develop the skills necessary to carry out those expectations. This is why a robust flex education program for lawyers and other professionals working flexibly, those who supervise them, and all members of an organization is essential. The information conveyed in these programs should be tailored to the needs of each group, covering the following fundamentals….
Action Step -The Path Forward: The Alliance’s Flex Success Framework™
The Alliance’s Action Steps are designed to assist organizations with implementing practical strategies and policies related to diversity and flexibility. Members can access full versions of all of the Alliance’s Action Steps in the Member Resource Center.
THE PATH FORWARD: THE ALLIANCE’S FLEX SUCCESS FRAMEWORK™
A successful flexible work program requires strong buy-in, thoughtful implementation, and regular monitoring. It also needs to be adaptable – evolving with the organization as the needs of its people and clients change. Whether your organization needs to create a flexibility program from scratch, expand its existing program, or pinpoint issues within the current program, the Alliance’s Flex Success Framework™ provides a five-step road map to achieve your organization’s objectives. Read on for details about each step…