Flex options in the healthcare industry may not be the same in other industries that don’t require 24-hour staffing. As the global economy develops, however, more workers – healthcare and otherwise – will be needed around the clock in order to meet the demands of consumers on the other side of the globe or simply to get things done.

In a study conducted by Coporate Voices for Working Families, most corporations found that flex options reduced absenteeism, turnover, stress, and increased worker satisfaction and morale. Flex options include compressed workweek, telecommuting and staggering daily start and stop times.

GlaxoSmithKline’s Consumer Healthcare unit in Moon Township, Pennsylvania offers flextime to all of its 550 employees.

Most employees take advantage of the option where they work core hours of 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. but can stagger their start and stop times. They also can work an extra hour Monday through Thursday and leave at 2 p.m. on Fridays, telecommute from home, job share or work part-time jobs.

What kind of arrangement can you work out with your healthcare employer? These tips on having a successful telecommuting experience on the job may help.

Pittsburt Post-Gazette, November 8, 2005