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There are different types of alternative work arrangements (AWA). Some employee positions may be conducive to a particular AWA, but not others. There are pros and cons associated with each arrangement; therefore, it is important to evaluate the cost and benefit of each option.
Scheduling Flexibility
Reduction in Work Schedule
Work Location
Time Management
Team-Based Options
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Program |
Description |
Benefits |
Examples |
Flexible Work Hours |
Workday start and end times differ from the established standard (8 AM - 5 PM), yet the same number of hours-per-day is maintained |
Improve efficiency to match schedule to most productive time
Gives employees more control over time
Allows commute outside of peak hours |
Daily Flex (9:30 AM - 6 PM)
Core Hours (required presence)
Variable Flex
Summer Flex
Day-of-the-Week Flex |
Compressed Workweeks |
Enables employees to work longer days in exchange for shorter days or day off during that week or pay period |
Improve productivity if some work can best be accomplished during quieter times of the day.
Provides more days off
Decreases commuting time
Allows commute outside of peak hours |
4-day, 10 hour workweek (4-10)
3-day, 12 hour workweek (3-12)
4 ½ day workweek
9-day, 80 hours (9-80)
8 days/9 hours; 1 day/8 hours |
Shift Flexibility |
Allows employees to work with co-workers to adjust their schedules |
Gives employees more control over time
Builds the team |
Each employee swaps shifts
Each employee drops a shift that is picked up by co-worker. |
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Reduction in Work Schedule
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Program |
Description |
Benefits |
Examples |
Reduced Hours |
Working less than 36 hours per week |
Retains employees who need to scale back hours to manage family situations or personal needs
Expands labor pool
Provides for gradual return from leave
Allows gradual entry into retirement |
Reduce full-time employment to fit the employees' unique circumstances |
Job Sharing |
Full-time position shared by two part-time employees |
Brings broader experience and skills to the position
Allows continuity of coverage |
Alternating weeks (week on and week off)
Shared or overlapping workdays |
Program |
Description |
Benefits |
Examples |
Telecommuting |
Working from a remote location one or more days a week |
Offers alternative to relocation
Expands labor pool geographically
Reduces office space
Reduces or eliminates commute
Work environment with limited distractions
Decreases work-related spending |
Home office
Satellite office
Traveling |
Program |
Description |
Benefits |
Examples |
Meeting-Free Flexibility |
Establishing blocks of time by workgroup when no meetings are scheduled |
Creates uninterrupted blocks of time for concentrated work
Enables employees to schedule vacation time when they know they won’t miss important meetings
Enhances productivity by enabling time to focus on administrative tasks |
No meeting days
No meeting weeks |
Quiet Time |
Establishing blocks of time to enable employees to focus on tasks |
Creates uninterrupted blocks of time for concentrated work
Enhances productivity by enabling time to focus on administrative tasks |
Designate one hour each day as “quiet time” when no meeting are scheduled
Daily uninterrupted time |
No Early or Late Meetings |
Reduce meetings that start in the early morning / late afternoon |
Allow employees to take advantage of alternative transportation options
Reduces stress of rush hour commutes
Allows commute outside of peak hours |
Change standing meetings from 9 AM to 10 AM, or 4 PM to 3 PM. |
Program |
Description |
Benefits |
Examples |
Work Redesign |
Engaging individuals and team in determining when, where, and how work is best accomplished |
Reduces employee stress and burnout
Reduces overwork
Eliminates low-value and duplicate work
Increases productivity and job satisfaction
Improves team collaboration |
Teams work together to integrate workplace flexibility into the culture, address issues of overwork, inefficiencies and work-life conflict and design solutions |
