QUESTIONS OF THE MONTH - SEPTEMBER

Each month you can “ask an expert” who will share her experiences and opinions.  Is there a question you want answered?  We’re sure you may have a few that others can benefit from as well.  So feel free to ask our experts by emailing us at experts@flexperienceforum.com.

To learn more about the experts, click on their names to see their bios.

Negotiating a flexible schedule

Dr. Christine Dickson , Foresight Management Dr. Dickson is the Principal & Founder of Foresight Management a consulting firm dedicated to creating leaders of the 21st century and challenging organizations to "Put People First" and "Become a Great Workplace." After years of working in city government, military, financial services and hospitals, Dr. Dickson recognized that many organizations acted like they were still in "the stone age" their lumbering inefficient systems and bureaucratic sensibility made it nearly impossible for the 21st century knowledge worker to succeed. She knew that organizations must change or risk extinction. Dr. Dickson now dedicates herself to developing flexible, responsive, and sustainable businesses and leaders. Dr. Dickson's commitment to work-family issues can be seen in her groundbreaking research on flexible work policies and caregiver discrimination. She has presented her research at numerous conferences, organizations, and universities both nationally and internationally. In addition to her consulting work, Dr. Dickson continues to conduct research and publish articles on flexible work policies, and recently went to the California State Capital to speak with legislators about Senate Bill (SB 836) prohibiting employment discrimination against caregivers. Dr. Dickson holds a Dual PhD in Industrial-Organizational Psychology and Clinical Psychology, and is a board certified licensed psychologist in California.

Q: How do you begin to negotiate a flexible schedule?
A: Negotiating for flexibility is very different than negotiating for salary. Negotiating for salary is expected. Flexibility threatens the status quo. How you begin/initiate the conversation is important. Results often require more collaboration between employee and manager.

Negotiating – fundamental conflict arises. When you assert your needs – conflict can occur. The negotiation process can take time -- even months. Employees often want the negotiation/conversation completed in a few days.

Flexibility can make good business sense for the company as well as the employee. It is important that you have supporting documentation available to show how your supervisor can manage a flexible work schedule. It is important to show examples of positive results with flexibility. Make the business case. It is also very important that you be patient – take time to reach your goal. You might also suggest a pilot program, which can allow the company to feel in control.