Why It Matters

The Challenge

The 21st century workforce is a very different one from that of the 20th century.

• Dual earner couples are the norm.
• Older workers need to work longer to save for retirement.
• Men and women want to share caregiving responsibilities.
• There are many more single-parent families.
• Many lower-wage workers have nonstandard work schedules and multiple jobs to make ends meet.
• More people with disabilities are working but need a range of supports.

And the list goes on.

This increased diversity and complexity within the American workforce – combined with intensifying global competition in a 24/7 marketplace – have raised unprecedented organizational and societal challenges that impact both employers and employees.

The reality of today’s economy is that a majority of workers are struggling to succeed in the workplace while also fulfilling serious personal responsibilities – be it caring for a sick child or parent, obtaining advanced training in order to move up, attending religious services, or even seeing a doctor to address a health crisis.

And yet, the structure of the American workplace has failed to adjust to this new reality. We live in a world of changing individuals and often-unyielding institutions.

The Opportunity

American workplaces can and should reflect the realities of the 21st century workforce. And we believe expanding access to workplace flexibility will result in better business, a stronger workforce, and healthier families.

Workplace flexibility – encompassing solutions ranging from compressed workweeks to telecommuting and phased retirement to extended time off – can enable workers to meet the often-competing demands of work and personal life.

Access to workplace flexibility has been shown to –

• Increase business effectiveness and improve the bottom line
• Increase parental involvement in children’s lives
• Improve health and wellness for workers of all ages, professions and income levels
• Increase the ability of older workers to remain engaged in the workplace
• Support gender equity by allowing men and women to participate in caregiving and more

At the same time, workplace flexibility serves as a strategic management tool for employers in a range of industries across the country. It is being used to enhance efficiency and performance – and support the development of a stronger, more resilient workforce.