Workers Need Flexible Hours Now More than Ever

The debate is growing over whether most employees, if given a choice, would rather have a shorter work week--shortening it to four days is usually the number discussed--or to have entirely flexible hours, to work whatever hours are most convenient for them.

I don't think anyone would likely turn down any of the options and a new study from PR Newswire puts them on pretty equal standing.

Being able to work from home ("telecommuting") and having a four-day work week tied in the study, each being favored by 26 percent of those surveyed.

Among those surveyed, workers valued flexible hours, the option to work from home, and the availability of part-time work more highly.

It's all about the telecommuting for advertising executives, while younger workers seem to prefer any job where some type of alternative work arrangements like those above, are available.

Here in radio, we definitely work a very non-traditional schedule, with some people having to start their day at 3 a.m. while some regularly stay until 9 or 10 at night or later. Plus with all the remotes and appearances outside our "regular" work time, you don't get a proper weekend all the time, either. The times you hear us on the air are not usually the beginnings and ends of our days. Of course, we wouldn't have it any other way, with all the fun we get to have.

But working from home when possible is a helpful option (which I am doing as write this blog) for many of us when not on the air. Thankfully, technology makes that more possible for most workers.

What are your hours like, and do you have any of these types of flexible work arrangements? Which ones would you like to have if you could? Share your thoughts in the comments.

[Via PR Newswire]