Is flexiblity becoming more mainstream?

In the workplace, employers are in 1 of 2 camps when it comes to flexibility – they are talking about or doing it. Employers will need to adapt to more flexible working conditions with the introduction of the National Employment Standards in January 2010 which includes giving parents of children 5 and under the ability to request flexible working arrangements. If employers don’t already have policies on flexible working arrangements and parental leave, it will become imperative in the next 6 months.

Parents need to become more familiar with their employer’s HR policies. It is interesting that young women these days are asking prospective employers about the opportunities to work flexibly and where they stand on parental leave, yet women who are parents now do not consider asking these questions. Our view is stick to the facts and build a business case to work flexibly.