70: Percentage of companies that are providing additional scheduling flexibility to employees with children
The large majority of U.S. employers say they are offering flexible working hours for employees with kids in response to the coronavirus pandemic, according to a survey of approximately 1,400 employers from consulting firm Aon.
What it means to HR leaders
The coronavirus pandemic is causing a vast array of workplace changes and challenges at a rapid pace. With schools closed nationwide, many workers are unexpectedly working from home with kids as their coworkers. As a result, HR and other corporate leaders are being more understanding and trying to help in today’s environment. Doing so, many attest, can improve employee productivity, morale and overall wellbeing–important during trying times.
“We need to provide more flexibility than what our employees are accustomed to,” Kathie Patterson, CHRO of Detroit-based bank Ally Financial, told HRE. “A lot of employees say, ‘There’s no way I can sit at a desk for eight hours with my kids running around.’ So it’s really about helping our leaders understand how to listen and figure out how to provide greater flexibility in the workday.”
