Flexible Schedules Matter Across Demographics

Dream Comany; benefits success; millennials seeking financial wellness from employers
With the ever-present talk of work/life balance, flexible schedules are becoming an increasingly popular - and important - offering. And it's not just Millennials who want it - flexibility serves every demographic in your workforce. Why? "Flexible" means the ability to work within the confines of life, versus the restrictions of the job. It can mean hours worked or days scheduled. But regardless of the type of flexibility offered, it benefits both the workforce and the organization.

Let's take a look at ways it can benefit three of your focus demographics.

Millennials are pursuing their ambitions - and yours.

Much of this unique generation is caught between student debt, the desire to go back to school, and lofty career aspirations. In fact, 58% of Millennials expect employers to provide them with learning opportunities relevant to their job - education is huge for this younger generation. However, going back to school requires commitment, and many might be taking classes to obtain an additional degree or certification. With that comes a whole lot of reading, studying, and homework. In these cases, the ability to come in late, leave early, or slide work hours serves both the career desires they have - and the skills employers are looking for.

Working parents are some of the most pivotal employees.

Working parents have a wide range of time-consuming responsibilities, many of which take place during the workday, like dentist appointments, parent-teacher conferences, and sports events. For them, flexible schedules are more than a mere problem-solver. The mental space freed from knowing they'll be picking up a child on time or cheering a child on at a soccer game is worth the hours they would have otherwise spent worrying at the office. Millions of families have children under 18, and many working parents are in pivotal jobs. That means flex time serves everybody's important goals.

Sandwiched employees risk losing productivity.

People in the Sandwich Generation not only care for children, they're also taking care of their aging parents or older relatives. There isn't enough time in the day. On top of children's daily activities (and their own!), they might be helping parents get around, coordinating care, and talking with doctors. Six in 10 caregivers have experienced at least one impact or change to their employment such as cutting back on hours, taking a leave of absence, or receiving a warning about performance or attendance. That translates to impacts on the company. The upshot is that a few "extra" hours can help everyone.

The best benefits support all employees.  And flexible schedules are an incredibly valuable benefit for your workforce. Less stressed employees who feel like there is enough time in the day will be happier and more productive, which then becomes a benefit for you, too.
Bright Horizons
About the Author
Bright Horizons
Bright Horizons
In 1986, our founders saw that child care was an enormous obstacle for working parents. On-site centers became one way we responded to help employees – and organizations -- work better. Today we offer child care, elder care, and help for education and careers -- tools used by more than 1,000 of the world’s top employers and that power many of the world's best brands
Dream Comany; benefits success; millennials seeking financial wellness from employers

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