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TECHWORKPLACE
by Jeffrey L. Berger, Esq.
Jeffrey L. Berger
specializes in management-side employment and business law, and related litigation in
Washington, D.C., and nationally. Questions and comments on the TECHWORKPLACE are
encouraged. Other articles are available at www.bergerlaborlaw.com.
WORK/LIFE STRATEGIES:
A WIN/WIN FOR EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES
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High-tech employers around the Beltway and throughout the
country are struggling to attract and retain qualified employees. In America @ Work,
a national study analyzing loyalty and commitment in the American workforce,
employees identified management’s recognition of personal and family time as the most
important of five key factors. In Montgomery County, a newly formed public-private
partnership, the Montgomery Work/Life Alliance, has a plan to bridge these
employer/employee needs that will increase worker productivity and longevity while
enhancing employees’ lives. By educating and assisting local businesses in developing
"work/life business practices," the Alliance hopes to facilitate the type of
workplace culture change that has resulted in improved bottom lines for many Fortune 500
companies. Convincing IT and bioscience companies of the economic benefits from fostering
emotional and intellectual capital may be a challenge, especially in the context of these
industries’ competitive practices and highly technical products.
Forward thinking employers are well-advised to give this
development serious consideration. The impressive list of Alliance founders - Discovery
Communications, Hewlett Packard, Life Technologies, Marriott, NationsBank, and The Gazette
to name a few - underscores that it offers business solutions to changing workforce needs
and demographics. The High Tech Counsel of Maryland, Montgomery Chamber, and Department of
Economic Development are also key players. As noted by Evelyne Steward, Alliance Co-Chair
and Discovery Communications Vice President of Employee Relations, "Due to the acute
shortage of qualified professionals, high-tech companies must differentiate themselves in
order to attract and retain employees. Being regarded as an employer of choice is
immensely helpful to attract talented employees." Indeed, it was recently reported
that most companies chosen for the coveted Fortune Magazine list of "100 Best
Companies to Work For In America" receive nearly twice as many applications for
employment as those not chosen. In return for investing in their employees, these
companies are recognized and repaid with greater loyalty, commitment, and productivity.
The Alliance’s program is directed at small and
large employers alike, and focuses on two major areas - work reorganization initiatives
and work/life benefits. This approach is not about working fewer hours, but rather working
with greater flexibility. Participating companies receive detailed assessments of their
family and life-friendly initiatives, corporate culture, work environment, and community
involvement. The assessment looks at such initiatives as alternative work arrangements,
employee development, dependent care, and employee wellness. Employers are asked to
acknowledge that employees need time for life beyond work. In this framework, community
service, parenting, and personal health are promoted through such tools as flexible work
schedules and telecommuting. County businesses that demonstrate comprehensive employee
work/life programs are recognized with "Best Practices" and "Great Place to
Work!" seals of approval. Like the Fortune 100 Best Companies, these companies
can then use this employer of choice recognition to attract and retain the best and
brightest people.
According to Discovery Communication’s Steward,
"Our goal and vision is to be the county of choice for employers and employees."
While the Alliance has much work ahead, the implementation of its work/life initiatives
will go a long way toward making that vision a reality. It may also serve as a model for
other cutting edge public-private initiatives throughout Maryland and elsewhere.
© 1999 Jeffrey Berger
REPRINTED FROM:
TECHGAZETTE - June 1999, Vol. 2, No. 6
The Berger Law Firm, P.C. 1825 Eye St. N.W., Suite 400, Washington, D.C.
20006.
Phone: (202) 861-1361 Fax: (202) 861-1362
Legal advice is case specific and is not intended to be provided by this article.
The Berger Law Firm, P.C. may not be held responsible for any consequences
that may arise in connection with the use of or reliance on the information provided.
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