A Better Way to Manage Family-Friendly Schedules

February 06, 2014

A Better Way to Manage Family-Friendly Schedules
( and how to be a Family-Friendly boss !! ) 

Many managers want to allow employees to create flexible work arrangements, but it can be hard to know how to respond to such requests. Here are two guidelines for well-meaning supervisors who want to provide for more flexibility:

(1) Evaluate performance continuously. 
Employees should submit regular progress reports, with any special arrangements regarding flexibility contingent on their upholding required levels of performance. Schedule evaluations around the rhythms of CLIENT PROJECTS rather than arbitrary annual deadlines; focus on goal-setting and coaching as much as reviewing accomplishments.

(2) Delegate, coach, and let your people earn trust. 
Develop employees so they can work more autonomously through coaching, feedback, and resources. Having the confidence to allow employees more discretion over how and where they work frees you up to focus more on value-adding work than double-checking theirs.
Adapted from “How to Be a Family-Friendly Boss” by Scott Behson.