Flex Jobs are Growing

Several companies are proving that flex jobs could be one positive byproduct of the current economic recession.

Flexible schedules have often been seen as a benefit to working women who need extra time to take care of their families. However, the incentive of a more flexible work life seems to be enticing women and men alike as of late.

Many businesses have begun offering flexible schedules as a tool to help attract, retain and engage top talent. One of the things most employees want is a better work-life balance, and implementing a more flexible schedule can allow that to happen.

One of the best examples of a successful flex job program, according to The New York Times, was created by accounting firm KPMG. The company created the Flexible Futures program when looking for a way to reduce payroll costs without losing valuable employees.

The program offered the company's 11,000 employees in the United Kingdom the option of: working a four-day workweek and taking a 20 percent pay cut; taking a mini-sabbatical while receiving 30 percent of their pay; taking both of those options; or maintaining their current schedule.

More than 80 percent of the employees at KPMG volunteered to take one of the flexible options, allowing the company to reach its goal of cutting costs and retaining jobs. The options have been regarded as more of a strategic response to the recession than a benefit for those with families.

Booz & Company, a global consulting form, also recently implemented a flexible scheduling option that includes a sabbatical with partial pay. Employees can opt to take anywhere from a one month to one year sabbatical while receiving 20 percent of their pay, medical benefits and a guaranteed job when the sabbatical is over.