Recession makes work/life flexibility possible for working moms

July 24, 4:47 PMPhoenix Working Moms ExaminerMichele Dortch

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Employers more likely to approve flexible work options.

Despite the challenges families are facing because of the economic downturn, there is good news: working moms are finally hearing "yes" to their requests for work/life flexibility. According to a study released by the Families and Work Institute (FWI) yesterday, "the overwhelming majority of employers (94%) are maintaining or increasing their workplace flexibility programs. In fact a quarter of the employers (26%) specifically used flexible workplace options -- from reduced work weeks to telecommuting -- to minimize the need for layoffs."

This is welcome news for working moms who previously had their requests to flex their work denied. Employers are more apt to approve such a request in today's economic climate. But getting a flexible work schedule isn't as easy as popping into your boss' office with the request. You've got to do your homework and it begins by following these three steps:

• Know your company: Your best chance for getting your flexible work proposal approved increases when you tailor your request to the business needs of your company. Is there a policy for flexible work already in place? Do you know and understand the corporate mission? Have you identified anyone in your company who already has a formal, or informal, flexible work arrangement? How will your flexible work serve the needs of your employer?
• Know what's happening elsewhere: Spend time researching other companies within your profession and industry that have made flexible work arrangements work. A good place to begin is Working Mother's 100 Best Companies list, which showcases a number of organizations that are making workplace flexibility a viable and productive option for moms.
• Know what you want: Although your final proposal should focus on the business case for your request, it's equally important for you to personally understand why you want a flexible work schedule and how you envision it will look. Can you realistically perform the duties of your job from home or on a reduced work schedule? Will you have the focus necessary to get your work done, and done well? The clearer you are about what you want, the more confident you will be when presenting the business case for your request to your boss.

This is a short list of steps to follow as you begin the process of requesting flexible work. Your next step is to develop a written proposal that addresses the finer details of your request. A recommended resource for this step is the WorkOptions Web site at www.workoptions.com. Pat Katepoo, the founder of WorkOptions, has been helping women since 1997 get flexible work approved with her comprehensive proposal templates.

Free Teleseminar: On Thursday, July 30th from 3:00 to 3:45 pm Eastern (2 pm Central, 1 pm Mountain, noon Pacific), Pat will host the Telecommute Now! How to get a YES to your request to work from home teleseminar and you're invited to attend at no charge. If you're interested in telecommuting or any other flexible work option, click here to register for the call.