The purpose of the study, “Making Work Flexible: Policy to Practice,” is to provide models for change. Catalyst created a framework of four goals, each with four strategies to develop a flexible work environment:
Goal I: Build organizational support
- Define and explain the link between flexibility and business goals
- Ensure and communicate senior management support
- Articulate the organization’s commitment to flexibility
- Identify and support pilot programs
Goal II: Support managers and users
- Provide tools
- Evaluate effectiveness
- Share models and case studies
- If necessary, revise systems
Goal III: Internalize the practice
- Incorporate flexibility into other organizational initiatives
- Create and support relationships and networks
- Expand and refine human resources department roles
- Assess the perceptions, experiences, and acceptance of alternative arrangements
Goal IV: Sustain the commitment
- Continually communicate internally about the issues
- Look for ways to promote flexibility externally
- Implement accountability measures
- Review and evaluate the work environment and modify activities accordingly
SOURCE: Catalyst
Personnel Journal, June 1996, Vol. 75, No. 6, p. 42.