Alternative Work Arrangements

Alternative Work Arrangements: What does the future hold?

1. How can employees benefit from alternative work arrangements? How can employers benefit from alternative work arrangements?

Alternative work arrangements benefit both employers and employees.  Employees can benefit by having work schedules that work around school, family, or commuting concerns.  Employers can benefit from having a more loyal workforce that is more productive and spends less time away from work for personal reasons.

2. What are some of the possible negative outcomes for employers and/or employees regarding alternative work arrangements?

Alternative work arrangements can produce some negative issues.  Some of these issues are difficulties regarding mandatory training, work monitoring, ensuring fair employment evaluations, and maintaining effective lines of communication between employees and supervisors.  Another issue is changing the mindset of supervisors who are reluctant to see the work shift from office to the home.

3. What types of factors are influencing organizations to consider using alternative work arrangements? Explain how alternative work arrangements can address the problems/issues that are raised by these factors.

Some of the factors influencing organizations to consider using alternative work arrangements are the shifting priorities of the younger generation of workers, the advancing age of the Baby Boomers and the organizations inability to replace them, the rising cost of fuel, and the adverse economy. These factors have led organizations to think outside the box for solutions to their employment needs.

4. Do you think the Telework Enhancement Act of 2010 will be useful for the Federal government and its employees? Do you think it will have a beneficial impact for America in general? Explain your answer.

Many nations have experimented successfully with various flexible work programs; and indeed, in some countries laws have been enacted to make...