FLEXWORK—GIVING COMPANIES A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE

Through a continuing FlexWork Implementation Program, the Traffic Solutions division of the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) is sponsoring flexwork consulting, training and implementation services to a limited number of Santa Barbara County organizations that want to create or expand flexwork programs for the benefit of their organizations, employees and the community. Qualified candidates will receive individually tailored consulting services and training and on-line tools from a nationally recognized FlexWork consulting company, at no charge to them. Applications for the FlexWork Santa Barbara program are being accepted beginning November 1st 2006.

“FlexWork” is a shortened term for “Flexible Work Arrangements.” FlexWork a proven method for business to increase productivity, save money, and retain valuable employees. In Santa Barbara County, several companies and local government agencies have already seen productivity gains, cost savings, and lower staff turnover since putting formal FlexWork programs into practice. As the region grows and the price of real estate climbs, traffic will only worsen as more and more employees commute to work from further and further away. Santa Barbara County organizations are finding FlexWork to be an invaluable recruitment tool in their efforts to attract and retain quality employees.

What is FlexWork? Even in today’s fast-changing and dynamic economy, most organizations still operate on a traditional 8-5 work schedule. FlexWork programs come in a variety of forms but each one helps to reduce an employee’s commuting stress, improves company morale, and saves your organization money. Companies use different types of FlexWork programs to meet their specific needs. Increasingly, businesses are realizing FlexWork gives them a competitive advantage in today’s marketplace. Contact SBCAG Traffic Solutions today to find out more about the free consulting services offered as part of the FlexWork Santa Barbara Program.

Flex Time (Variable Work Schedules): Flex time, or variable work schedules, allow employees to set or modify their arrival and departure times to meet their transportation needs, while still maintaining an 8 hour work day. For example, the work schedule may be adjusted to match a vanpool, bus or carpool schedule to avoid heavy commute times or to accommodate child care or other issues. Flex time policies usually require that the flexible schedule fall within established “core hours” and not conflict with work flow.

Compressed Workweek: The two most common compressed workweeks are 9/80 and 4/40 work schedules. Employees who work a 9/80 schedule perform the required 80 hours of work in a two-week period, but within 9 working days instead of 10. Employees who work a 4/40 schedule work four 10-hour days every week.

Telecommuting: Telecommuters perform their normal work duties at a location away from the conventional office. This remote location can be your home, a satellite office closer to home, or a “virtual office” while traveling. Telecommuting can occur in many different forms. Most telecommuters do it once or twice a week. Some employees telecommute nearly every day, while others just telecommute occasionally in order to meet an important deadline without office interruptions, or while traveling.

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