Success tips: How To Make Flexibility Successful

A critical factor in the success of flexibility is the partnership between a manager and an employee. Both the employee and the manager have responsibility for communicating on a regular basis to ensure that the work is getting done and the arrangement is meeting all expectations.

Suggestions for beginning and maintaining an effective flexibility include:

1. Pilot the flexible arrangement

An effective way for both the manager and employee to begin new flexibility is to pilot it for a mutually agreeable period (e.g., 90 days). Prior to beginning the pilot, the employee and the manager should determine how the success of the pilot will be measured and whether a ?permanent? change will be made after the pilot evaluation.

2. Communicate to customers and co-workers

Flexibility need not be publicly announced, but customers and co-workers who will be affected by the flexibility should be notified if there will be a change. Also, depending on the type of flexibility, customers may need to be given information on how their needs will be met when the employee is not immediately available.

3. Keep everyone informed

Review whether current methods of communication will meet the needs of everyone affected by the flexibility.

4. Schedule follow-up assessments

Once an arrangement has been established, the employee and manager should meet regularly to discuss how the arrangement is progressing and address any needs or concerns promptly. The frequency and assessment tools used depend on the nature of the employee's job and the type of flexibility.