1 employee alternative work schedules candace c. baker clean air partners program manager

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Employee Alternative Work Schedules

Candace C. BakerClean Air Partners

Program Manager

Clean Air Partners Program, 2007 2

Why alternative work schedules?

To support air quality goals of:• Reduced vehicle miles traveled (VMTs)• Reduced VMTs during rush hour

To support employee satisfaction and retention• Provide work / family balance• Reduce employee work-related expenses


Alternative Schedule Options

Flexible work schedule / Flex time

Compressed work week

Teleworking

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Flex Schedules

Allows employees to adjust schedules to avoid rush hour travel

May vary from employee to employee• Example: M-F 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.• Example: M-F 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Best Employee Fit:• Those not tied to specific service schedule

– Example: Required on-site customer service hours


Flex Schedule Pros & Cons

Benefits• Reduces peak time travel• Workplace coverage over greater time span• Flexibility for employees

Constraints• Must be designed to meet employer’s needs• Potential supervision issues for employees

and supervisor on different schedules


Compressed Work Weeks

Allow employees to work fewer days with same number of hours• Example: 10 hour days, 4 days per week• Example: 9 hours days, 9 days in 2 weeks

Best Employee Fit• Daily presence not required; has routine or

long term projects • Work coverage on those days off is available

from other employees


Compressed Work Week Pros & Cons

Benefits• Reduced vehicle miles traveled• Workplace coverage over greater time span• Flexibility for employees

Constraints• Must be designed to meet employer’s needs• 9-9 schedule creates overtime costs for non-

salary employees


Telework features

Allows employees to work at home or a nearby satellite office, connected via phone and computer, one or more days per week

Best Employee Fit:• Self-starters, good performers• Performance managed more by reviewing

results, not process• PC-focused positions (e.g. auditing, accounting,

data entry, program development, etc.)

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Telework Pros & Cons

Benefits• Reduced VMTs from eliminated commute trips• Workplace coverage over greater time span• Flexibility for employees• Telework set-up allows access to do work outside regular

work hours, if needed

Constraints• Technology issues - requires home equipment & software

needs, costs and maintenance• Should not be a substitute for child/elder care• Limited employee coordination, access, & supervision

Combine Strategies

Telework during peak hour traffic and commute to work during the non-peak, if/when necessary

Allow teleworking during compressed work weeks, if/when appropriate



Strategies that work

Set and communicate goalsProvide resourcesPilot projects to role model desired

behaviorCommunicate to employees and

supervisorsTrack results

Resources and Contact Information

Candace Baker, Program Manager• [email protected]• 512.350.6581• www.cleanairpartnerstx.org

GoToMyPC.com and similar telework access providers


1 employee alternative work schedules candace c. baker clean air partners program manager

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