Flexibility in the Workplace

I have a job where I work part-time. It's the perfect arrangement for me because I keep my career moving forward (or at least not moving backward), contribute income to my household, and still have time to devote to My Little Man (MLM). In my line of work, working full time translates to 50+ hours of work at times. I knew I didn't want that, so I was able to make this arrangement. I'm not the only one.

According to a new book entitled Womenomics, women are gaining more power in the workplace. Consider these statistics from the book:

A 19-year Pepperdine University survey of Fortune 500 companies showed that those with the best record of promoting women outperformed the competition by anywhere from 41 to 116 percent.

Women control 85 percent of household spending.

Females are earning more college and advanced degrees

With this new-found power, companies and women alike are developing flexible work options to accommodate the once unachievable work-life balance. Employers are realizing that they cannot afford to lose female talent, and women are realizing that they can't do it all 100 percent of the time. What's more, it's not just women reaping the benefits of flex-time. Stay-at-home dads and even younger men are seeking out these arrangements. This is a win-win arrangement. Employers are getting smart, talented women who are thinking outside the box and the women are happy. Happy employees = productive employees. This focus group of one can report that I feel more focused and productive when I'm not overloaded. I'm also a lot more inclined to be flexible and go the extra mile when I know my employer is happy to reciprocate.

As Sam Cooke said, "A Change Is Gonna Come" and we can thank ourselves for shepherding that change through corporate America on our terms.