United for Working Families Episode 3: Flexibility
In the heart of Chattanooga, arising issues that greatly impact local families are being exposed and addressed in a series called “United for Working Families.” The third episode, entitled “Flexibility,” was recently aired in a bid to shed light on the need for and implications of flexible work policies.
The Impact of Workplace Policies
Workplace policies significantly shape the lives of working families in Chattanooga. The demands of modern work, coupled with the need for a steady income, often put parents and caretakers in a compromising situation. Fixing meals, attending school events, caring for sick children, or even routine parent-teacher meetings can become daunting tasks when work schedules are rigid and unforgiving.
Aiming for Flexibility
This episode featured Terran Anderson, Vice President of Community and Corporate Engagement at United Way of Greater Chattanooga, and Rebecca Wilson, Group Vice President of Human Resources at Kenco. Both key proponents of work flexibility, they examined how it could contribute to healthier family lives without compromising productivity.
Anderson highlighted how flexibility could contribute to a worker’s satisfaction, which in return would result in increased productivity and loyalty to the company. Meanwhile, Wilson expounded on the practical application of work flexibility in the professional reality and its potential benefits for companies such as reduced turnover and increased employee engagement.
Making It Happen
With the advent and rise of telecommunication technologies, flexibility does not mean a loss for companies. On the contrary, it could pave the way forward in a mutually beneficial paradigm. Chattanooga’s budding tech scene and the significant shift towards remote work due to the COVID-19 pandemic have made it even more possible.
For the change to take place, we need to rework some notions deeply ingrained in the traditional work model. The emphasis needs to be placed on productiveness rather than the hours clocked in. Also, the shift cannot happen solely at the company’s level – a legal framework may be necessary to protect workers’ rights and prevent abuses.
Closing the Gap
The initiative has been applauded by local families, who now hope to see more companies jumping on the bandwagon. United Way of Greater Chattanooga has doubled its efforts to close gaps by advocating for smart changes at the policy level and educating the community about the need for better work-life balance.
The series continues to impact the local community positively by sharing stories of working families, elucidating the gaps in the system, and showing how the right policies can make the lives of our working families better. United for Working Families is definitely bridging the communication gap between the working class and the policymakers.
To support the cause and learn more about it, visit unitedwaycha.org/workingfamilies.
Article written by HERE News
