Flexible work environments remain one of the top three factors that most people look for in their current jobs and companies. According to a Watson Wyatt study, it is also the second highest factor that contributes to a higher return on investment ( ROI) within successful Fortune 100 companies. Progressive organizations recognize this and embrace it as a competitive business strategy for attracting and retaining talent.

Ms. Allen is an advocate for flexible work environments and has several years of personal and professional experience working with individuals and organizations to achieve this type of success. She offers coaching and training services to individuals and managers on effectively creating and managing flexible work schedules, providing resources, tools, tips and strategies for success.

Rita B. Allen’s Ten Tips for Creating and Maintaining a Flexible Work Schedule:

1. Personal exploration – identify priorities.
2. Define model (i.e. job share, telecommuting, part-time, flex time, reduced hours, contract/free lancing/consulting, etc.) that will work best for you and your needs AND will also fit within the culture of your organization.
3. Make a case – Prepare specific, detailed proposal that outlines not only how it will benefit you but ALSO how your company will benefit from it – from the productivity and financial perspectives.
4. Spell out exactly how it will work – who, what, where, when, and how – dot all the I’s and cross all the T’s. Answer anticipated questions/concerns. Be thorough and thoughtful in presenting a well-detailed plan.
5. Remember to present in a way that comes across as a mutually beneficial proposal. You will be entering into a partnership that requires commitment on both sides in order to be successful. It needs to be a give and take so that it will be a win-win situation.
6. Most importantly – BE FLEXIBLE. Allow for exceptions and changes depending on business needs and/or your own needs.
7. Constantly evaluate and revisit arrangement to see if it is working. Don’t be afraid to admit to mistakes and/or suggest amendments to make it more effective. Constantly work on enhancing and improving.
8. Keep channels of communication open with manager, peers, colleagues, subordinates, clients, customers, etc. Make extra effort to stay in the loop within all of these venues.
9. NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK – Keep your network current, active and strong. This will take extra effort since you are trying to balance but this is a critical area to not be lax on.
10. Be and stay true to yourself – your goals, ethics, priorities and talents!

CWON – The Creative Work Options Network
Rita B. Allen is the Founder and Chair of the Creative Work Options Network, also known as CWON, established over a decade ago and currently a Special Interest Group of the Northeast Human Resources Association (NEHRA).

CWON – Creative Strategies for Achieving Flexibility in the Workplace
Purpose: To be a forum that embraces flexible work environments as a necessary business strategy. CWON provides networking opportunities, tools and resources to educate individuals and organizations.

CWON is a network of HR professionals dedicated to the promotion and development of flexible workplace environments as a key differentiator for successful organizations. Flexible work environments emphasize the value of human capital in today’s ever changing and competitive marketplace for talent. They establish a culture that enables individuals to thrive and businesses to achieve their goals.

For more information on CWON, now known as the Flexible Work Schedules SIG, please visit the website: www.nehra.com