Making Flexible Work Arrangements
Work for You
By Janine Corea

The decision to return to work after having children is a difficult one for many mothers and their families. Depending on the nature of your job, it may not have to be an "all or nothing" situation. Many employers are offering (or accepting employees' offers) for flexible work arrangements in an effort to attract and retain top talent.

Lots of Options
So what are the various scheduling options so many American working mothers (and fathers) are searching for?
Flex time is an arrangement where the employer allows an employee to "flex" the starting and ending time of her workday. The employee must still work a set number of hours each day, and often must be present during "core" hours, such as 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Telecommuting arrangements involve working all or some of your hours from home, rather than at your employer's workplace.
Part-time work arrangements are also becoming more popular in all types of work environments.
Job sharing involves two employees splitting one job.

Realistic Expectations
As you weigh the decision of going back to work and what work arrangement you may propose, be realistic with your expectations. While the options outlined above have many advantages, you will still be employed outside the home, so remember the following:

• Telecommuting is not a substitute for childcare. Even if you are working at home, your little ones need to be cared for, and you can't work and take care of your children. It's not fair to your employer, your children, or you to expect that you will work from home and take care of the children simultaneously!
• Part-time work equals a reduction in salary (and possibly responsibility and job level). If you are paid hourly, you will be working fewer hours. If you are paid on a salary basis, your employer will likely prorate your salary in proportion to the number of hours you will be working. You may also lose out on some fringe benefits, such as medical insurance or paid vacation, depending on your company's policies, when you change to a part-time status. Such fringe benefits are hidden wages that you should consider before giving them up.
• If the job-share arrangement sounds intriguing to you, be sure you know your counterpart's work ethic well before making this transition. You'll want to make sure you have similar work styles or can compliment each other's strengths and weaknesses. Additionally, be prepared for the outcome should your partner decide to the leave the organization. You may be stuck having to go back to work full-time, unless your employer can find another part-time employee to fill the other half of your job.
• Despite these potential drawbacks, many working parents are finding a greater work-life balance through flexible work arrangements. If you're struggling with the decision to work or stay home, it may be worth the time to investigate some of these options.

Janine Corea is a certified Professional in Human Resources and mother of two. She is currently employed part-time by Paychex, Inc. in Rochester, NY.