Flexible workplace hours: a timely idea - horarios flexibles en el trabajo - TA: flexible work schedules

For a growing number of companies today, the phrase "9 to 5" may soon become an anachronism. In a recent nationwide survey, 84 percent of executives polled said their firms now offer either a formal or informal "flexible hours" program for their employees. Another progressive employment practice, telecommuting, is also becoming more widespread. Eighty-seven percent of executives predicted an increase during the next five years in the number of employees who will telecommute to work.

The survey was developed by OfficeTeam, a leading staffing service specializing in highly skilled temporary office and administrative professionals. It was conducted by an independent research firm, which polled 150 executives from the nation's 1,000 largest companies.

"Many companies are departing from the traditional '9-to-5' work day in favor of more flexible options," says Diane Domeyer, executive director of OfficeTeam. "Technology has been the catalyst for this change--wide area networks, wireless communication and the Internet are enabling remote access to the office for employees who travel regularly in their jobs, work flexible hours or telecommute."

Domeyer points out that flexiblity holds great appeal for professionals balancing career and personal demands. To accommodate these needs, businesses are offering more innovative work schedules, not necessarily as an altruistic measure, but as good business practice. "These new programs also enhance recruitment and retention efforts, which are particularly critical in today's low unemployment environment," she added.

Respondents were asked: "Does your firm currently offer either a formal or informal "flexible hours" program?" Their responses:

Informal program        47%
Formal program          37%
Neither                 12%
Don't know               4%
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                       100%

Respondents were also asked: "In the next five years, do you think the number of employees telecommuniting to work will increase or decrease?" Their responses:

Increase strongly       35%
Increase somewhat       52%
No change                4%
Decrease somewhat        4%
Decrease strongly        0%
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                       100%

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