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

Case studies highlighting these different impacts for Sloan Award winning employers can be found using the indexes on pages 83-85 of the 2008 Guide to Bold New Ideas for Making Work Work.

Business leaders are increasingly recognizing the positive effects of workplace flexibility and effectiveness on retention and other bottom line impacts. For example, Ernst & Young's Deanna Bassett 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, Ernst & Young's people policies and culture are generating terrific success from both an economic and strategic perspective.”

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