On July 10^th, the Oklahoman covered a hearing held by Rep. Mike Shelton, where he suggested a more flexible work-week to cut down on commuting costs (Read the article here).  Making a flexible work week optional does a lot more than decreasing workers' gas costs though.  As such, the National Center for Policy Analysis has advocated for more flexibility in the workplace through congressional caucus briefings, publications and research, and most notably our president and CEO Dr. John Goodman's book, Leaving Women Behind, co-authored by Kimberly Strassel and Celeste Colgan. 

We are excited that these issues are coming to the forefront of our countries' attention and hope that legislators are listening to workers' needs! 

The mandatory traditional work week places significant burdens on many of our working families today.  Many workers are forced to work part-time in order to provide care for children or parents. Rigid labor laws punish part-time workers by decreasing their ability to save for retirement or have access to quality healthcare.  It is no surprise that since most caregivers are women, no wonder that in 2007, two-thirds of all part-time workers were women.  Sixty percent of women with children under age 3 were working in 2006, which was a 51 percent increase in the last ten years.  This is a pressing issue for working mothers and families and not just because of rising gas prices!!

The article cites the Oklahoma Public Employees Association saying that the turnover rate for state employees is nearly 14 percent, which costs the state about $85 million per year in lost training and skills. That compares with a national average of 8 percent turnover of public employees.

So how do we solve this problem?  Flexible workplace arrangements are an important first step!  How does workplace flexibility benefit employers AND employees?

• Certainly the article is correct in listing fewer commuting costs
• Employers attract better employees when they offer flexible benefits, such as the optional flexible workweek (Click Here)
• Employers retain their employees for longer through flexibility (Click Here)
• Workers in flexible workplaces tend to experience higher job satisfaction (Click Here)

The bottom line is that workers deserve a more flexible workplace, including greater flexibility in their hours.  It's no wonder that NCPA has championed for such a result!  Why can't we allow employers and employees to benefit through providing the option of more flexible workplaces?  You tell me!

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