Case Discussion

Obama in early December 2010. "The Act provides a framework for agencies to better leverage technology and to maximize the use of flexible work arrangements, which will aid in recruiting new Federal workers, retain valuable talent and allow the Federal government to maintain productivity in various situations-including those involving national security and other emergency situations." l3

Kate Lister, principal researcher at the Telework Re- search Network, poignantly observed that "[w]hile [the Telework Enbancement Act of 2010 is] aimed at iust the [F]ederal workforce, I think the passage of this bill will send an important message to priYate sector com- panies about the many benefits of telecommuting and other alternative work arrangements."14 However, the impact of the Great Recession may restrain the growth of alternative work arrangements in the private sector. A report from the Society for Human Resource Manage- ment (SHRM) "found that some businesses have'reined in support for alternative work arrangements, with new initiatives essentially on hold and existing programs un-

'\- der review."'15 The future of alternative work arrangements cer-

tainly is not certain!

Discussion Questions

1. How ian employees benefit from alternative work arrangements? How can employers benefit from alternative work arrangements?

What are some of the possible negative outcomes for employers andlor employees regarding alterna- tive work arrangements?

!7hat factors are influencing organizations to con- sider using alternative work arrangements? Explain how alternative work arrangements can address the problems/issues raised by these factors.

Do you think the Telework Enhancement Act of 2010 will be useful for the federal government and its employees? Do you think it will have a benefi- cial impact for America in general? Explain your

answer.

Should the availability of alternative work affange- ments for private sector employees in the United States be mandated by law?'S7hy or why not?

SOURCE: This case was written by Michael K. McCuddy, The Louis S. and

Mary L. Morgal Chair of Christian Business Ethics and Professor of Man- agement, College of Business, Valparaiso University.

)

3.

4.

5.

Chapter 14 Case References

1. S. Meisinger, "Flexible Schedules Make Powerful'Perks'," HRMaga-

zine 52(41 (Aprll 2007): 12. 2. Anonymous, "Telecommuting Has Mostly Positive Consequences

for Employees and Employers," CPA Practice Management Forurn (December 20071:1,9.

3. S. Meisinger, "Flexible Schedules Make Powerful'Perks'," HRMaga'

zine 52141 (Aprll 2007\: L2. 4. Anonymous, "Telecommuting Has Mostly Positive Consequences

for Employees and Employers," CPA Practice Management Forum (December 2007):79.

5. S. Meisinger, "Flexible Schedules Make Powerful'Perks'," HRMaga-

zine 52(4) (Aprli 2007): 12. 6. E.M. Torpey, "Flexible ri7ork: Adjusting the \?hen and Where of Your

lob," Occupational Outlook Quarterly (Summer 2007\:14. 7. S. Klie, "Flexibility a Growing Global Issue," Canadian HR Reporter

20(19) (November 5, 20071: 71. 8. rbid.

9. L. Murphy, "shining the Brass Ring-Making Partnership Attractive to the New Generation," CPA Practice Management Forum (Jantary

2007):5. 10. J.M. Phillips, M. Pomerantz, and S.M. Gulls "Plugging the Boomer

Drain," HRMagazine 52(1,21 (December 2007\: 54.

11. L. Murphy "shining the Brass Ring-Making Partnelship Attractive to the New Generation," CPA Pructice ManlSement Forum (Jamtaty

2007\:6. 12. One Hundred Eleventh Congress of the United States of America

at the Second Session, "Telework Enhancement Act of 2010 (H.R.

7722)," U.S. Government Printing Office, http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/ pkg/BILLS-1 1 t hrl.T 22emt pdflBILLS-1 1 thr1 72Zem.pdf (accessed

.luly 18,2011). 13. J. BerrS "Memorandum for Heads of Executive Departments and

Agencies," United States Office of Personnel Management (Decem-

ber 13, 2010), http://www.chcoc.gov/transmittals/IransmittalDetails. aspx?TransmittallD =324 6 (accessed July 1 8, 20 1 1 ).

14. Anonymous, "Citrix Online; Telework Enhancement Act Could Save Tax Payers $15 Billion a Year Say Citrix Online and Telework Re- search Network," Real Estate dv lnuestment Week (Decembet L7, 201.0):732.

15. J. ril/alker, "Even with a Recovery, Job Perks May Not Return," TDe

'Wall Street Journal (Online) (April 5, 201'0), http:l lonline.wsi.com/

article/SB10001 4240 527 02304017 404 57 5 16 58 5 41.81'29 625 6.html (accessed July 18, 2011). MM: Same question as with other cases regarding whether ibid will or will not be used consistently across cases?

CHAPTER 14 JOBS AND THE DESIGN OF WORK s49