Table of Contents

1. Guiding Principles
2. Questions and Answers Regarding Work and Family Life Authority and Responsibility
3. Alternative Work Schedules (AWS)
4. Leave Options
5. Part-time Employment/Job Sharing
6. Flexiplace
7. Dependent Care
8. Appendix A—Glossary
9. Appendix B—Flexiplace Project
10. Appendix C—Sample Employee/Supervisor Checklist
11. Appendix D—USDA Work and Family Life Report on Focus Group Interviews

Guiding Principles

A. Link flexible work arrangements to USDA's mission, goals, and objectives.

USDA regards employees' health and welfare as critically related to their ability to contribute to USDA's mission. USDA strives to help employees achieve and maintain balance between work and personal family responsibilities. Agencies should identify positions that are suitable for work flexibilities in order to accommodate employees' needs. Supervisors should implement the various alternative work schedules, leave options, etc., in such a fashion that they will enhance the work of the office. Actions taken to implement the Family-Friendly Workplace must be well-balanced with the reason that we are all here - to perform our assigned job responsibilities.

B. Encourage managers and supervisors to inform employees and increase their opportunities to participate in flexible work arrangements.

USDA agencies should incorporate guidance on flexible work arrangements in all existing supervisory and diversity training. Supervisors and employees should work together so that the USDA work unit's mission is enhanced and employees receive the support needed for worklife balance. Employees should communicate their desire to use available work options. Supervisors should carefully consider requests of employees before suggesting alternatives.

C. Recognize managers and supervisors for effective use of work arrangements.

Agencies should recognize supervisors who help employees balance their work and personal/family responsibilities by encouraging use of appropriate flexible work arrangements. When recognizing a supervisor's achievement, be sure to consider whether performance positively impacted the mission of USDA.

D. Ensure equity in the use of flexible work arrangements.

All employees, depending on the work requirements of the position, should be given an equal opportunity to use appropriate flexible work arrangements. These flexibilities should be used to motivate employees and increase productivity.

E. Publicize information regarding successful cases of employees using flexible work arrangements.

Agencies should market and communicate information by providing seminars, workshops, and printed materials to employees. Information on these flexibilities should be included in the orientation package for all new employees.

F. Evaluate program effectiveness periodically.

Use a variety of tools, including surveys, focus groups, customer service standards, and organizational performance measures, to assess the effectiveness of the program.