For all the things I dislike about my job (and thankfully, there aren’t many), the one positive that trumps all the negatives is the flexibility that I’ve been afforded.
Although I’m ever grateful for all of my benefits and the financial safety net they provide, flexibility is the benefit that has the biggest impact on my day-to-day life. It allows me more time with my family and less time in traffic. It increases my satisfaction and decreases my stress. It makes me a better mother, wife, colleague, overall person — I can’t say any of those things about my 401(k) plan.
Just today, I worked from home all morning then went to my daughter Mia’s camp during lunch to play with her and her classmates for water day. (Water day is when the camp owners transform the playground into a splash park, with sprinklers and water toys galore.) Mia loved it and I did, too. Remembering her squeals of laughter and her smile put me in a great mood — so great that I didn’t mind coming back home to work longer into the afternoon. I’ve been more energized and productive, and it gave me a happy feeling toward my employer as well.
I’ve made no secret on this blog that I’m a big advocate for
I know it’s challenging, and that the challenge is even bigger for employers with an hourly workforce. It’s a topic that EBN Online Managing Editor Kathleen Koster will explore for the cover story in EBN October.
Share your thoughts in the comments on how or if increasing flexibility for hourly workers can be achieved. And, share your comments and/or resources on this topic with Koster via Twitter at @koster_ebn or email at
