The busy tax season is over, the CPE crunch hasn’t yet started, and in these modern times, people are looking for flexibility in their work schedule. Everyone is looking for a better work/life balance, and in most instances younger people even rate a flexible work schedule as more important than a higher salary or better benefits. With summer traditionally being a slower times for CPA firms, will your firm be offering its employees some ease in how they get their hours between Memorial Day and Labor Day?
One approach is to go to a four day week, with the office closing on Friday, where employees work four 10 hour days to accomplish their work goals. Studies show that employee productivity and happiness is generally higher on this type of schedule. Another less tiring approach is to let employees work their 80 hours over two weeks, but they get one whole day within the two week timeframe off. This way, employees are able to choose if they want to come in earlier, take a shorter lunch break, or stay later to fulfill their hours. Employee productivity and happiness is higher with this type of work schedule also, because people are able to schedule personal appointments and long weekends without the hassle of having to take paid time off.
We want to hear from you: Does a summer flex schedule work for your firm, or is it something that should be considered? If your firm already offers employees flex time, how is it working?
Blogger: April Blake, Office & Member Services Coordinator, South Carolina Association of CPAs
