HR: SHRM Workplace Flexibility Initiative

In early May, 2009, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM - www.shrm.org) announced a comprehensive initiative to hopefully guide discussion and "development of legislation" around workplace flexibility.

Every HR professional should be closely evaluating, monitoring, and evaluating the possible implications of the effort -- for their individual professional career and development -- and the obvious potential impact on their organization's policies and procedures.

In a detailed statement of principles, SHRM recognized 1) "Shared Needs" of both employees and employers, 2) "Employee Leave" provided to help employees meet work and personal obligations, 3) "Flexibility" for both employees and employers, 4) "Scalability" that avoids a mandatory 'one size fits all" practices that recognizes the diversity of the workforce and its needs, and 5) "Flexible Work Options" that truly recognize options including telecommuting, compensatory time off, etc.

Comment: SHRM's statement represents a an ideal set of principles and goals which clearly represent best practices in human resources. From that viewpoint, support is critical. It does appear that implementation of SHRM's principles would not only require new legislation aimed at "workplace leave" but some major changes to existing legislation and regulations to make it possible. Perhaps, unfortunately, that will lead to government adapting a mandated policy that doesn't meet the principles laid out by SHRM and will leave legislation that is clearly (and anciently) out-of-date with today workforce and work environment. It's time to be active on this issue and SHRM's tools for showing support to key legislators, etc. is a great place to start.