Time and pay rules under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) are complicated — particularly for small businesses without the … Read more
What used to be the rare exception for a handful of employees has become more mainstream. Today, flexible scheduling is a reality for more than 5 million employees who work from home at least half the time, according to Global Workplace Analytics. Further still, 40% more U.S. employers now offer flexible working arrangements than they did five years ago.
Is the timing right for your company to permit more flexibility with employee schedules and, if so, what does it entail? How can you make flexible scheduling work for your business and your staff?
At its most basic, a flexible work schedule is an alternative to the traditional 9 to 5, 40-hour work week. And because the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) doesn’t address the matter, alternative arrangements are open to exploration between you and your employees.
There are a few different types of flexwork:
Of the various options, telecommuting or remote work is getting the most attention these days, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, regular telecommuting grew 140% in the past decade, more than 10 times faster than the rest of the workforce.
Flexwork is touted as a gamechanger in business because it tackles three big issues: absenteeism, engagement and productivity. Employees have greater control over their schedules, so they’re no longer restricted to getting their work done at a certain time or in a set location.
Time and schedules can be better managed, too. No more long coffee breaks because motivation is lagging — or arriving late after dropping the kids off to school — or leaving early or taking a half-day for personal reasons. This flexibility goes a long way toward alleviating stress for most employees, as well as boosting overall commitment and efficiency.
A recent study revealed that people who work remotely are happy in their jobs 29% more than onsite workers.
If you’d like to extend flexible scheduling or remote work to your employees, you need to take a fair and careful approach. Not all positions will be suitable, due to the nature of the job, the use of special equipment or the degree of interaction with others. When weighing your options, be aware that the best flex workers possess strong organizational and time management skills, self-motivation and discipline, a solid performance record, keen job knowledge, and comfort with tech and digital tools.
Following these additional steps can enhance the flexwork dynamic and ensure you’re staying within the legal boundaries:
Like everything in business, the right practices and policies can help keep you on solid legal ground. The Company Policies Smart App from HRdirect is an online solution for selecting and communicating essential policies to employees, including those related to remote work and other flexible scheduling arrangements. And for a comprehensive solution that provides everything you need to manage a remote workforce, check out the Remote Worker Compliance Essentials Kit. It includes an employer’s guide, preparation checklist, supervisor and employee tips, remote work request forms and a telecommuting/remote work policy — all available for download, if necessary.
Time and pay rules under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) are complicated — particularly for small businesses without the … Read more
Who doesn’t dream of having unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO)? Well for some employees, this dream is becoming a reality. … Read more
Wage and hour violations are a frequent source of trouble for employers, where Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) oversights can … Read more
The DOL’s announcement of a new rule under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) has many employers scratching their heads. … Read more
After months of anticipation, the U.S. Department of Labor announced the final rule on the overtime provisions under the Fair … Read more
The wait and uncertainty regarding potential new overtime regulations are over. On September 24, 2019, the Department of Labor (DOL) … Read more
If you manage hourly employees, it’s critical to accurately track all of their hours worked. If you cheat an employee … Read more
In a perfect workplace, employee absences would always be scheduled well in advance. Don’t let chronic absenteeism hurt your business! … Read more
Get the latest news and free resources from ComplyRight delivered straight to your inbox.
You've just unlocked a wealth of FREE resources to build HR confidence.
ComplyRight provides free educational resources related to employee management, labor law and compliance. Better understand HR basics and learn how to address specific issues by browsing our knowledge center.
At ComplyRight, our mission is to free employers from the burden of tracking and complying with the complex web of federal, state and local employment laws, so they can stay focused on managing and growing their businesses.
©2020 ComplyRight, Inc.