Flexible Work Arrangements: Alternative Work Schedule
What is a flex/alternative work schedule?
A flex or alternative work schedule is a scheduling arrangement that permits a variation from the employee's core hours in starting and departure times, but does not alter the total number of hours worked in a week.
What types of schedules are there?
The starting and departure times may be fixed and selected periodically for a specified period with the same numbers of hours worked per day.
Or, the starting and departure times can vary daily with a personalized work schedule, where a staff member may arrive at work and leave at a different time each day, provided the same number of hours are worked each day. This window of time may vary by hours or minutes on either end of the day.
What are the benefits of an alternative work schedule arrangement?
Possible benefits include better office coverage, extended service hours, enhancement of staff morale, reduced tardiness and absenteeism, increased employee ability to better manage personal life, increased productivity because an employee may choose to work during their own peak times..
As a supervisor, how do I know whether I can manage flexible work schedules in my unit?
Supervisors need to make sure that the work of their unit is being accomplished in a timely manner and with high-quality results. Supervisors need to determine whether the work that is being done can be accomplished in just an as effective (or more effective) manner by utilization of a flexible schedule arrangement. They should take performance evaluations into consideration, as well as the reliability and work styles of their employees. Supervisors are encouraged to speak with their local human resources representative, the Office of Staff and Labor Relations, or the Office of Workforce Diversity and Inclusion if they have questions on whether flexible work arrangements are possible in their unit.
What considerations are there for negotiating this type of work schedule?
Challenges may include limited access to public transportation and dependent care options; the scheduling of various flex requests to ensure office coverage; and the supervision of the employee duing scheduled non-core hours work time. Extended workdays can also be physically/mentally draining for some employees. For access to dependent care resources, please contact the Office of Workforce Diversity, Equity, and Life Quality at (607) 255-3976. Information on transportation services is available by clicking on "Transportation Options."