Today’s Mailroom Monday question: Is a Flexible Schedule an Option for Me?

You’re important at your job. You’re important at home. Both worlds are important to you.

Keeping it all in balance can sometimes be a challenge.  Flexible work arrangements can be great way to meet your unit’s work needs while working a schedule that works best for balancing your home and work commitments. 

Some common examples of flexible scheduling options that have worked out well for some MSU employees and their units include:

• Non-traditional start and end times such as 6 a.m to 3 p.m. or 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Longer days with shorter weeks such as working 10 hours per day Monday through Thursday.
• Telecommuting arrangements where you work some days from home.
• Reduced hours/moving to part-time employment.

“Flexible Schedules may not work well for all job types or all employees, but when used appropriately, flexibility can have big benefits for the work unit and employees alike,” said Lori Strom, coordinator of the MSU Family Resource Center. “People sometimes mistakenly believe that only employees benefit from flex scheduling.  But the reality is that flexible scheduling often leads to improved morale, increased productivity and decreased turnover.”

If you want to learn more about what flexible scheduling is and how to go about exploring whether it might be possible for your job or the unit you manage, consider taking a new online Flexibility E-Course!  Or, check out www.hr.msu.edu/flex for descriptions of flex arrangements, sample flex agreements, work analysis forms and a direct link to more information about the new e-course.

Do you have a question you would like answered in a future mailroom monday post? Send us note at hrcommteam@hr.msu.edu.