According to a new survey by the Society for Human Resource Management, the No. 1 reason employers are implementing workplace flexibility programs is "ensuring equal treatment for all employees," cited by 35 percent of surveyed organizations.

"Organizations recognize the necessity to meet the needs of specific groups of employees, but they tend to do this by designing the optimal arrangements that meet the needs of the great number of diverse groups," says Mark Schmit, SHRM vice president for research. "However, most organizations also recognize the need to consider specific employee needs on a case-by-case basis."

Ninety percent of respondents employing veterans report that they have not created or implemented flexible work arrangements for those particular employees. Another 68 percent of respondents say they have not created or implemented flexible work arrangements for parents responsible for dependent care while 75 percent of respondents have not done so for low-wage and hourly employees.

The survey finds that respondents have created flexible work arrangements to accommodate employee segments, including disabled workers at 47 percent. For employees with disabilities, reduced work hours, flextime and telecommuting are the most popular flexible work arrangements.

"The survey results identify an opportunity for employers to better use workplace flexibility programs to recruit and retain top employees and to address the growing skills gap," Schmit says. "Veterans and the disabled, for example, have unique skills to bring to the workplace. They just need flexibility."

Additionally, 95 percent of respondents have not made a concentrated effort to ask fathers what they need regarding workplace flexibility. Among the most typical flexible work arrangements offered to low-wage and hourly employees include flextime at 61 percent, shift flexibility at 59 percent, break arrangements at 51 percent and leave for caregiving at 51 percent.

Instant Insights /

Employers developing flexibility programs out of fairness

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