According to the 2005 Benefits Survey
conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management, 56 percent
of organizations offer flextime, or flexible work hours, to their
employees. An SHRM spokesperson adds that the benefit is becoming a
very important recruiting and retention tool. These tips on how to
shape a flexible workday come from the Alexandria, Va.-based
society.
Do your research. Before approaching your
manager with your request, learn the company’s policy. Is flextime
even offered? Are there core hours, perhaps 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.,
during which employees are required to be in the office?
Don’t miss meetings. Be sure the hours you
propose will not take you out of the office for regularly scheduled
department meetings.
Set firm hours. Even if you only need to leave
early every other Tuesday, make every Tuesday your flexible day for
the sake of consistency (i.e., your boss will better remember when
you’re available).
Consider computer needs. If you are allowed to
combine some telecommuting with flextime, do you need to be
networked to the company? Can you do off-line projects during that
time?