Many Workers Want Flexibility

I've suggested that parents need to start asking for the flexibility they want in the workplace, but employers are likely to hear flexiblility requests from other employees as well. I just read an interesting article about the projected labor shortage that the Information Technology profession is facing (see article here). The article discusses several strategies to attract and retain a diverse workforce, and flexible work options come up often.

Like parents, younger workers want more work/life balance. And older workers not yet ready to retire may seek flexible work options as an alternative to full retirement. As employers begin to see flexible work options as a useful tool to attract and retain diverse talent in the workforcce, such offerings will likely become more common.

If you work for a company not yet enlightened to the benefits of flexible work, you may want to consider partnering with others in your organiztion to ask for flexibility. There is often strength in numbers, but it is important to look beyond other parents to find others with similar interests. For example if you are looking for a job share partner, you might be tempted to seek out another mom in a similar role. But why not look to a senior manager that is near retirement? Or a younger worker that has lots of hobbies outside of work he wants to pursue? You might find success with an unlikely partner.