Is a man’s productivity and value still determined by how many hours he works?
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Studies show that flex time is as important to men as it is to women.
In the early 1900s, the typical work week was nine hours, six days a week. In 1926 the Ford Motor Company introduced the first life-work balance program by implementing the 40 hour work week. Ford wanted to promote a good home life for employees and believed that workers needed more than one day a week for relaxation.
Despite Ford’s good intentions, the workplace slowly morphed back into a 50-plus hour confinement for many workers. This has become especially true for men, whose productivity and value has traditionally been determined by how many hours they put in at the office.
Work/Life Flexibility Revisited
As more women entered the workforce, the emphasis on work/life balance became a focus once again. Companies began accommodating women with children, often a source of conflict, as men and single co-workers were forced to pick up the slack.
But as society changes and men take a more active role in their children’s lives, studies show they face the same work/life conflicts as women. The pressure on men, however, may be even greater, as companies still expect them to be top producers and still measure that productivity by the number of hours they’re willing to devote to the job.
As an advocate of better work/life flexibility, I have even been asked why men would need flex time, since the day-to-day child responsibilities usually fall on the woman. While that attitude is becoming less prevalent, it still exists in many companies across the nation.
The New Work/Life Balance
Fortunately, the idea of work/life balance is changing. A staggering 88% of millennials recently surveyed said that they actively look for career paths and positions that offer flexibility. Thanks in part to the influence of this growing workforce, companies are realizing, as Ford did, that this concept is important for everyone — even men.
Many companies that have implemented flex time in an effort to attract top candidates are pleasantly surprised at its results on the entire workforce. Studies show that flexibility increases morale and productivity, while decreasing turnover and absenteeism.
By implementing a program that takes the why out of flex time, and encourages all employees to take advantage of the program, men are empowered to spend more time with their families and indulging in their passions, and less time at the office without negative consequences to their career.
These Companies Do Exist
Professional service firm PwC knows that flexibility is important for everyone. They also realize that it’s not the same for everyone, and they believe organizations must empower employees to identify it for themselves. In 2011 they rolled out a program they called Flexibility2TM that engaged the entire staff to develop a plan and make it happen. The program offers flex days year-round, along with opportunities for employees to pursue outside interests during slow periods, allowing them to enhance their skills and keeping them engaged.
AirBnB are also advocates for employee flexibility. Not only does their office feature an in-house chef to create delicious feasts for their staff every day, but they also live out their company mission to encourage global travel with a $2,000-per-year stipend for all employees to go off on their own adventures.
How to Get Flex Time Where You Work
Whether you’re an involved dad working a nine to five and wanting more time with your family, or you’re someone who likes to spend a Friday with a fishing pole, don’t hit the job ads quite yet. Even if your company doesn’t have a formal flexible work policy, you may be able to work something out with them.
Find out if your organization offers any accommodations for women who have children. If so, this lets you know they are open to the concept — even if they don’t realize it — and can give you leverage for your request.
If you’ve been in the same job for more than two years, your supervisor considers you reliable, and you have a good performance record, your chance of a favorable outcome is increased. Prepare a written proposal outlining your request and how you will ensure your job is done. Be sure it doesn’t require that others increase their workload to cover for you. Show that your arrangement won’t affect your job performance.
If your employer agrees, it’s important you live up to your end. You may set precedence — good or bad — with your results.
How to Find Flex-Friendly Jobs
If your employer won’t budge on your nine-to-five schedule and you need or desire more flexibility, you may decide to look elsewhere.
A 2013 study revealed that 54 percent of companies offered some kind of flex time for all employees, as long as they work during specific core hours. It also indicated that 43 percent offered compressed workweeks, usually four 10-hour days.
There are several ways you can find jobs that offer work/life flexibility:
- Consider the industry. Consulting and professional service firms are the most likely to accommodate your needs, while hospitality, retail, and construction industries were among the least likely to offer flex options. Companies with less than 2,500 full-time employees also reported a higher percentage of flex time for all their employees when compared to larger organizations.
- Visit job review sites. Check out Indeed and Glassdoor to look at reviews written by actual employees. They are usually pretty candid and can give you a good idea whether the company offers a work/life balance program for everyone, and if they actually encourage and practice it.
- Don’t neglect word of mouth. Talking to others is a powerful way to find potential employers. I worked for a company with a true work/life balance program that let everyone take whatever time they needed, and a lot of our recruiting was through current employees’ recommendations.
- Make the most of your interview. If you can’t find prior information on a company’s policy, use your interview to look for indications of the company culture. Does the interviewing manager appear stressed, or are they relaxed and appear to like what they do? Do the employee areas include indications of family and outside interests, such as photos and awards? Does the overall atmosphere feel relaxed or is there tension in the air? Answers to these questions will help you determine how to approach the subject of flex time during an interview.
Technology continues to blur the lines between our private lives and our work lives, making it even more important to schedule time away from it all. Flex time gives you that option. As millennials become a larger part of the overall workforce, employers are acknowledging the need to offer employees more flexible schedules that can ultimately benefit everyone. Work/life balance programs are becoming more popular and more inclusive as they recognize the contemporary man’s need for a life outside the office walls.
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Photo: JD Hancock
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