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CCH® HR MANAGEMENT — 10/17/07

Organizations offer employees fewer work-life programs in 2007

Organizations are offering employees nine work-life programs in 2007, according to the annual CCH Unscheduled Absence Survey. In 2006, employers offered 11 programs, creating a wider range of work-life programs for employees to choose from. However, it may not be the quantity of worklife programs offered that will most benefit a workforce. Instead, it may be the quality as one particular organization’s employees are likely to benefit more from Telecommuting or Leave for School Functions, for example, than another.

On a scale of 1 to 5 (with 5 being most effective), the work-life programs rated highest for reducing unscheduled absences are Alternative Work Arrangements (3.6), Telecommuting (3.5), Compressed Work Week (3.3), Leave for School Functions (3.2) and Flu Shot Programs (3.2). Of the work-life programs offered by employers, the top five in use are Employee Assistance Plans (72 percent), Flu Shot Programs (66 percent), Wellness Programs (60 percent), Leave for School Functions (54 percent) and Alternative Work Arrangements (54 percent).

The 2007 CCH Survey results indicate an opportunity for employers to be more effective in the work-life programs employees are offered. Overall, survey results indicate that companies don’t always have the most effective programs in place to meet employee needs. In some cases, for example, the survey revealed that the programs employers view as most effective in combating unscheduled absenteeism are not the programs that are most used. Alternative Work Arrangements and Telecommuting received the highest effectiveness ratings in the 2007 survey (3.6 and 3.5, respectively). However, only 54 percent of employers offer Alternative Work Arrangements and only 53 percent offer Telecommuting as a work-life program. Now is the time for employers to review their work-life programs and ensure that those being offered will most benefit the workforce.

For additional information on this and other HR topics, consult CCH Human Resources Management or Personnel Practices/Communications.

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