Tool 6: Sample Flexible and Predictable Work Schedules Policy
Sample Flexibility/Predictability for Family Caregiving Policy
Business X recognizes that the demographics of the workforce and the structures of families have undergone significant changes, including an increased number of women in the workforce; fewer households with children that have at least one parent staying at home full-time; more single-parent households; and a larger elderly population, resulting in complex demands placed on employees. Moreover, an employee's actual or perceived status as a caregiver can create workplace and pay inequities. In an effort to promote fair and equitable scheduling practices Business X protects an employee’s right to request flexible or predictable work arrangements because of caregiving.
Eligibility
An employee who has been employed for at least 6 months and regularly works at least 8 hours a week has the right to request a flexible or predictable work schedule to accommodate caregiving for a minor child, a family member with a serious health condition, or a parent over the age of 65. Family members included in this policy are spouses, domestic partners, children, parents, siblings, grandchildren and grandparents, whether related by blood, legal custody, domestic partnership, or through marriage.
Frequency of Requests
An employee may make 2 requests per year for schedule changes pursuant to this policy, unless that employee has a change in circumstances (such as the birth of a new child, or increase caregiving responsibilities for an ill relative), then he or she may make an additional request.
Employer Responsibilities
Prohibit Discrimination: Business X will not discriminate in any manner against an employee because of his or her actual or perceived status as a caregiver, because he or she made are quest for a flexible or predictable schedule, or because he or she made a request for reconsideration under this policy.
Grant Request: Business X will grant requests for flexible or predictable work schedules made pursuant to this policy unless it has a bona fide business reason that it cannot grant the request.
Meet with Employee: Business X will meet with the employee who made a request for a schedule change within 21 days to discuss the request.
Respond in Writing: Business X will respond to an employee’s request in writing within 21 days of the date Business X met with the employee to discuss the request. If denying a request for a bona fide business reason, Business X will clearly communicate the reason as it relates to the request.
Reconsideration: If an employee’s request is initially denied, and that employee requests reconsideration in writing within 30 days, Business X will meet with the employee again within21 days, and issue a new decision within 21 days of that meeting.
Employee Responsibilities
Communication with Supervisors: Employees who wish to request flexible and/or predictable work schedules should make a request as soon as possible. Employees should maintain open communication with supervisors about scheduling needs, including participating in meetings to discuss a request.
Make a Written Request: Employees should submit a written request for a flexible or predictable schedule that clearly outlines the schedule the employee is requesting and the reason he or she is making the request. Requests may include, but are not limited to:
reduction in hours
changes to work times
changes in work location (e.g., telecommuting)
modification to work assignments
a predictable work schedule
Request Reconsideration in Writing: If an employee’s request under this policy is denied, then he or she may make a written request for reconsideration within 30 days.
Blog » Tool 6: Sample Flexible and Predictable Work Schedules Policy
Tool 6: Sample Flexible and Predictable Work Schedules Policy
Tool 6: Sample Flexible and Predictable Work Schedules Policy
Sample Flexibility/Predictability for Family Caregiving Policy
Business X recognizes that the demographics of the workforce and the structures of families have undergone significant changes, including an increased number of women in the workforce; fewer households with children that have at least one parent staying at home full-time; more single-parent households; and a larger elderly population, resulting in complex demands placed on employees. Moreover, an employee's actual or perceived status as a caregiver can create workplace and pay inequities. In an effort to promote fair and equitable scheduling practices Business X protects an employee’s right to request flexible or predictable work arrangements because of caregiving.
Eligibility
An employee who has been employed for at least 6 months and regularly works at least 8 hours a week has the right to request a flexible or predictable work schedule to accommodate caregiving for a minor child, a family member with a serious health condition, or a parent over the age of 65. Family members included in this policy are spouses, domestic partners, children, parents, siblings, grandchildren and grandparents, whether related by blood, legal custody, domestic partnership, or through marriage.
Frequency of Requests
An employee may make 2 requests per year for schedule changes pursuant to this policy, unless that employee has a change in circumstances (such as the birth of a new child, or increase caregiving responsibilities for an ill relative), then he or she may make an additional request.
Employer Responsibilities
Employee Responsibilities