Workplace flexibility has become a compelling issue in corporate America. Business leaders are increasingly recognizing the positive effects of workplace flexibility on attracting and retaining employees, reducing turnover and absenteeism, improving employee health and well-being and in turn the impact it has on a company’ bottom line.
Within the umbrella of workplace flexibility, employee wellness is considered a potential high return on investment for employers, primarily due to rising health care costs.
As part of our Workplace Flexibility Initiative, the Salt Lake Chamber Women’s Business Center will host a panel discussion with local leaders and executives on ‘Wellness in the Workplace’. The event is scheduled for Wednesday, August 18 from noon to 1 p.m. at the Salt Lake Chamber Building.
The panelists for the event include Scott Barlow from Central Utah Clinic, Tim Butler from Select Health, Rita Offrett from American Express and Rebecca Fietkau from ARUP Laboratories. Panelists will discuss health and wellness programs and strategies available to reduce injuries, health care costs and long-term disability.
The discussion will make a business case for workplace wellness as well as provide a toolkit for managers to implement simple initiatives in their respective organizations.
Research shows that there is a return on investment for organizations that offer workplace flexibility as part of an effective business strategy.
Positive business impacts of workplace flexibility and effectiveness include:
· Attracting and retaining employees
· Addressing generational differences
· Increasing employee engagement/commitment
· Reducing turnover
· Reducing absenteeism and sick days
· Improving health and well-being, reducing stress
· Increasing customer satisfaction
· Reducing business costs
· Increasing productivity and profitability
· Improving staffing coverage to meet business demands
Business leaders increasingly recognize the positive effects of workplace flexibility and effectiveness on retention and other bottom line impacts. For example, McKinnon Mulherin, a local Utah company explains, “We have to provide a flexible work environment that allows all of our people to succeed both personally and professionally. Ten years ago, women were leaving the firm at a faster rate than men. Today, our retention rates for men and women are the same, thanks to our family friendly policies and flexible culture. Without question, McKinnon & Mulherin and several other progressive Utah companies’ people policies and culture are generating terrific success from both an economic and strategic perspective.”
To learn more about workplace effectiveness and flexibile policies that help both employers and employees please attend a free luncheon ‘Alfred P Sloan Awards Kick Off” on Feb 9th from 12 noon to 1 PM at the Salt Lake Chamber. Register slchamber.com or call Heather Fountaine at 801-328-5048.
