Workplace Flexibility and Fairness

Workplace Flexibility and Fairness

2 paragraph include reference-sws format

John is a single dad with three preschool age children. He asked his manager if he could adjust his hours so he would have time to get them to daycare. The manager allowed John to start work 30 minutes after his regular start time and work 30 minutes later to make up the time. Seeing this, several of John’s co-workers have made the same request, citing personal needs, and claim that John is getting special treatment because he is a single dad. This has put the manager in a bind because there must be employees on hand during the department’s standard business hours making it impossible for everyone to work the same hours as John.

• Do you think the manager made a mistake in allowing John to adjust his hours? Why or Why not? What do think the manager should do to resolve the issue?
• Be sure to respond to at least one of your classmates’ posts.

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APA

Workplace Flexibility and Fairness

The manager’s decision to allow John to adjust his hours may have been made with good intentions, recognizing the unique challenges single parents face. However, the decision inadvertently created a perception of favoritism, leading to potential issues with fairness and consistency among employees. While flexibility is a valuable tool for maintaining employee satisfaction and retention, it can become problematic if not applied equitably across the workforce. The manager should have considered the broader implications of allowing one employee to make such an adjustment without a clear policy or guidelines in place for all employees. Instead of responding to individual requests on a case-by-case basis, a more structured approach, such as offering flexible work hours for all employees with clearly defined guidelines, could help prevent resentment and maintain fairness.

To resolve the issue, the manager could consider implementing a formal policy that allows all employees to request flexible work hours, as long as it does not disrupt the department’s operations. This policy should outline clear criteria, such as the need for employees to make up any lost time and ensuring there is always sufficient coverage during business hours. By formalizing the process, the manager can ensure that all employees are treated equally, which helps maintain morale and avoid accusations of favoritism. Additionally, communicating this policy transparently to all employees will reinforce the importance of fairness while still accommodating the personal needs of employees. Workplace Flexibility and Fairness

References:

Kaufman, B. E. (2010). Theoretical perspectives on work and the employment relationship. Industrial Relations Research Association.

Kossek, E. E., & Thompson, R. J. (2016). Work-life policies and practices: The role of workplace flexibility in supporting employees. The Oxford Handbook of Work and Family, 225-242.