Flex Time Basics

Learn flex time basics and everything you need to know about flexible schedules

In order to stay competitive in the marketplace, many businesses may consider implementing flex scheduling. Usually referred to as flex time, these types of alternate schedules are used by many employers as a way to improve office morale and increase productivity. Although flex time policies are becoming more and more common, many business owners may not be completely familiar with the term.

The use of flexible schedules allows employees to choose the hours they want to work. Typically, the employer specifies a set amount of hours that must be worked (between ten and two, for example), and the employee then chooses what time to come in and what time to leave each day. The use of flex time in the workplace has three main benefits:

1. Flex schedules are proven to reduce tardiness and absences.

2. Flextime helps employees avoid traffic, thereby reducing commute time.

3. Overall employee satisfaction increases.

 

Determine productivity guidelines for flex time

One of the primary purposes for establishing flex time in the workplace is to increase overall productivity. Before creating flex time proposals, it's important that you make your expectations clear to all employees. To prevent employees from taking advantage of flextime opportunities, you should establish productivity requirements for flextime.
Try: Evaluate your employees' current productivity. If you already have a tracking method in place, you can use that information to calculate appropriate productivity requirements. Companies without a productivity tracking system may want to hire a consultant to determine. Pace Productivity specializes in productivity studies and after a six- to eight-week period, the company analyzes the data to provide recommendations. Once you've determined current productivity, you can then use that information to establish new goals. After you've decided these goals, you'll need to address them with your employees. The Center for Competitive Management offers a course that goes through the productivity boost available through offering flex time.

Define each employee's role and job responsibilities before starting flextime in the workplace

In order to avoid confusion and prevent employees from taking advantage of flextime, make sure you fully understand what each of your employees actually does.
Try: Meet with your employees to discuss their specific job responsibilities. Sit with them one-on-one to see how they spend an average day. Once you've learned your employees' roles, you can then use role playing and cross-training techniques to educate employees. Learn role playing tips from Agilean and then check out Conductor for customized training programs.

Test out flexible schedules over a brief time period

Before making flextime a permanent policy, you need to be aware of any potential problems that can occur. Once issues are known, you can then modify your flex time plans as necessary to make the policy more effective.
Try: Use a scheduling software program to create a temporary schedule. With customizable programs such as Kappix, you can easily create a trial flex schedule that can be modified in the future. You should also track the hours that your employees work. TimeForce is an online program that tracks employee time and attendance.

 

• Because some of your employees may not qualify for a flexible schedule, you may also want to consider alternates such as telecommuting or compressed workweeks.

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