|
 In December, Senator Edward Kennedy and Representative Carolyn Maloney introduced a bill called The Working Family Flexibility Act , which would give employees the right to request flexible work options. It’s very simple, and it goes like this: employees would be able to make a request to modify their hours, schedule, or work location; employers who deny a request would have to formally explain grounds for the denial.
Of course, employees are free to ask for flexible arrangements with or without this legislation. Without it, employers are free to laugh in your face. If this legislation passes, employers can laugh in your face, but they also have to justify their decision in writing within 14 days. A similar law already exists in the U.K., where employers fully grant 77 percent of employee requests and reach a compromise in an additional 9 percent.
Passing a law that essentially legislates basic communication skills between employers and employees may seem strange, but the law is a powerful thing in our society. Sometimes we need a little nudge. Employers who might otherwise feel uncomfortable requesting a more flexible arrangement, may feel empowered to do so if they know that the law is on their side. Employers are afraid of being sued, so they’ll likely make an effort to follow the law. And if this law encourages employers to grant simple requests so that employees can balance their jobs and their home lives with minimal disruption to the employer’s business, doesn’t everybody win? (And, please, let’s not get huffy about a little additional paper work.)
The fine print: - Small businesses are exempt from the law.
- The bill has been referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- You can contact your representative and voice your support for the bill here .
- The bill is co-sponsored by congressman George Miller, Senators Dodd, Clinton, and Obama (if you thought this might help you decide between the two Democratic hopefuls, sorry, you’ll have to wait for an upcoming blog on the proposed work-life balance policies of all the presidential candidates. Try to contain your excitement).
photo by Storm Crypt on Flickr under Creative Commons License - Vetta
Readers have left 2 comments.  2. UntitledGuest User, Unregisteredyay for taking action on your own! i hope more will follow your example. 1. UntitledSage, Unregistered You'll be so proud of me: I just contacted both of my senators (one of whom is on the subcommitee of health, labor etc.) and my congressional district's representative. I can't remember the last time I did that! |
