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Flex In The City

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Flex In The City

 

 

Flex in the City is an opportunity for employers to try flexible work options. During which time employers measure the effect on productivity-when the right employees, in the right jobs, practice the right flexible work option(s). At the same time the Houston measures the effects on mobility. By moving a relatively small number of cars off the roads during peak congestion periods, a measurable improvement in mobility can and will be realized.

Every year the City of Houston encourages area employers to adopt new flexible workplace policies for two weeks, and conducts mobility studies during this time to see the impact of these policies on traffic. In the past, employers and employees participated. Observations on the North and Southwest freeways showed a savings of peak commute hours. This reduction in peak commute hours translates to significant increases annual user cost savings.

When businesses participated, the average commute time along our freeways were reduced. This time-savings is equal to considerable financial savings in vehicle-delays for Houston highway users annually. These indirect benefits of the event show that the practical business policies Houstonians adopt have spill-over effects on the greater community. Reduced auto emissions and improved air quality are among the other indirect benefits of Flex in the City.

The direct beneficiaries of Flex in the City are the businesses and employees that participate in the event. Post surveys were conducted for both participating employers and employees to gauge their perception of the event. Employers indicated that increases in productivity were remarkable during the event. The majority of employers also believed that flexible options improve their ability to meet the needs of customers, and the goals of the team and organization.

Employees had an overwhelmingly positive reaction to the event and their employers’ adoption of flexible workplace policies. For many the change means fewer stressful commutes to and from work. Others arrived at work before rush hour and were able to accomplish more without distractions. Many provided insightful comments about the implementation of flexible work policies, and nearly all acknowledged lower levels of stress and an increased ability to manage the competing demands of work and family.

The Flexible Workplace Initiative Program is also looking to further increase employer involvement. To this end we are communicating with local organizations, as well as national ones. Other leading cities have heard of the success and contacted us because they want to implement similar programs.   If you would like more information on how to set up pilot in your office or city, we can help.