When it comes to keeping employees happy and productive, nothing tops flexible work arrangements

When it comes to keeping employees happy and productive, nothing tops flexible work arrangements, according to a new poll by LifeCare®, Inc., provider of comprehensive specialty care services and a longtime leader in the work/life industry.
SHELTON, CT, January 15, 2008—When it comes to keeping employees happy and productive, nothing tops flexible work arrangements, according to a new poll by LifeCare®, Inc., provider of comprehensive specialty care services and a longtime leader in the work/life industry. Nearly half (49 percent) of all workers responding to the online poll said that flex arrangements/part-time work are most critical to working happily and productively for their current employer. The next closest response was health and wellness programs (15 percent). Here are the full results of the poll, conducted throughout the month of December on LifeCare's private web site among the employees of its 1,500 client organizations:

What is the single most important program/benefit your employer could offer that would keep you working productively and happily as you get older?

- Flexible work schedule/part-time work – 49%
- Health and wellness programs – 15%
- New training/learning opportunities – 13%
- Temporary assignments on a rotating basis – 5%
- Retirement planning tools – 3%

Another 15 percent cited "other" reasons (each response represented less than one percent) including access to fitness facilities and gym memberships, college tuition assistance, retiree benefits, relocation assistance and incentive programs.

"Without question, work/life balance is a priority for workers today and many of them are pointing to flex time as a solution," said LifeCare CEO, Peter G. Burki. "Naturally, flexible work schedules aren't a viable solution at some organizations due to the nature of their business. In these cases, employers would do well to consider offering the other items that employees cite —- wellness programs and retirement planning tools, for instance. LifeCare's clients have access to a wide range of wellness and retirement planning resources -- and these happen to be two areas that we'll be enhancing in 2008."

About LifeCare®, Inc.

LifeCare offers cost-saving benefits that help clients reduce their most pervasive absenteeism and productivity drains, including child and elder care, caregiving support, health and wellness issues, and more. For more than two decades, LifeCare has led the work/life industry in the creation of high-quality, results-oriented programs designed to improve our clients' bottom line. LifeCare serves 1,500 client companies with 4.5 million individuals within corporations, health plans, government agencies and unions. For more information, visit www.lifecare.com.

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