How important are opportunities for flexible work and other tools to promote work-life balance in comparison to traditional benefits?
Nearly half of Canadian employees value flexible working schedules and almost a quarter find generous vacation time to be important, according to a recent survey by OfficeTeam. Respondents are also more likely to be up front about their need for flexibility and ask their employers for adjusted work hours to attend appointments. Organizations are trying to meet these needs, with 37 per cent offering flexible working options and 32 per cent providing generous vacation time.
Read: What work-life balance benefits do employees value most?
The federal government is working on the issue as well. In September, Employment and Social Development Canada published the results of its consultation on flexible working arrangements. The government has proposed adding a legal right under the Canada Labour Code to request flexible work arrangements.
The issue is the topic of this week’s online poll. With the increasing focus on work-life balance as a human resource tool, how important to your organization are things such as flexible work options, more time off and wellness programs versus traditional benefits like health and dental coverage? Have your say here.
Read: Employers and employees disagree on right to request flexible working
As for last week’s poll on the federal government’s introduction of legislation to allow target-benefit pension plans, 68 per cent of respondents agree with the approach, suggesting it’s time for all governments to embrace more sustainable pension models. On the other hand, 32 per cent think target-benefit plans will encourage employers to abandon their defined benefit obligations.
