H☆Mさんの おぼえた日記 - 2018年3月4日(日)

[Workplace Flexibility](4,5,6) -Lesson 22 /Business Communication in Action-

Collins: I think that's an important point. There's really no substitute for being in the same place at the same time with your coworkers. Many managers say having workers in the office encourages collaboration and work on group projects. And you know, even though home-based workers may be more productive than folks who work all day in their office cubicles, remote workers have to fight the perception among managers and colleagues that they're just goofing off all day.

Grace: True, but working from home is steadily becoming more like working in the office. Tech-savvy managers use email, instant messaging or calls to get "virtual face time" with remote workers. Some even monitor how employees use their computers and surf the web.

Pearson: I'm also an advocate of workplace flexibility. By that I mean not requiring everyone to report to work at 9 and leave at 5 on the dot. I should point out that being flexible means not only flexible working hours, but also being willing to change your work routine in line with changing circumstances and expectations. When done properly, workplace flexibility fosters an environment where managers and employees can take a balanced approach to work and personal needs.

Salmans: There's another key reason why flexibility in the workplace is becoming a more important factor in attracting good workers. That's diversity. It's the new normal. People's different cultural, religious and other needs mean that employers have to do their best to accommodate diversity.

Collins: Workplace flexibility makes good business sense. It helps to create an atmosphere of trust, commitment and shared purpose. That's why many companies ae introducing "summer Fridays."

Salmans: Yes, they seem to be all the rage these days.

Collins: People don't feel that motivated on Friday afternoon. The TGIF mentality really sets in. So more companies are letting workers leave the office early on Friday.

Pearson: That sends a clear message to employees that management cares about them. And it's one of the ways companies are doing a rethink of personnel policies as the hiring market for white-collar workers tightens. Summer Fridays are a non-brainer when it comes to winning over potential hires.

Grace: They're also offering more paid vacation days and generous parental and paid family-leave packages. Here at Alex ＆ Alex, you can get out of work at noon on Fridays between the Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day. Or you can pick one Friday to take off between June and August.