01.28.10
Can Entrepreneurs Flex?
Yesterday at Credit Suisse, I heard Working Mother Media President, Carol Evans talking about how large companies and the “Top 100″ best companies for working mothers companies use flexible work arrangements for their employees. Can entrepreneurs take advantage of both generation Y’s and the boomer generation’s desire for flexibility in the work scheduling? Yes. Knowing how important flexibility is to employees can help entrepreneurs create flexible working schedules to meet temporary (like doctor’s appointments) and permanent (like child or elder care) needs. Employees are more productive, which results in bottom line increases, when they are able to integrate their personal needs with their professional responsibility. Business owners also benefit from reduced recruiting, hiring and training costs. The key is clear communication about meeting business needs. Talk openly with employees about how they will acheive business goals, and make the “what” they achieve the focus, while discussing scheduling solutions that meet both the businesses needs, and personal needs of employees.
