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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:
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