Frequently Asked Questions

What is a "flexible work arrangement?"

Workplace Flexibility 2010, a project of Georgetown Law, defines a “flexible work arrangement” (FWA) as any one of a spectrum of work structures that alters the time and/or place that work gets done on a regular basis.

1. flexibility in

scheduling

of hours worked, such as alternative work schedules

(e.g., flex time and compressed workweeks), and arrangements regarding shift and break schedules;

2. flexibility in the

amount

of hours worked, such as part time work and job shares; and

3. flexibility in the

place

of work, such as working at home or at a satellite location.

Our research indicates that workplaces today offer a wide range of flexible work arrangements.

What arrangements are provided, and how they are defined, can vary widely. Read more...

Some frequently asked questions:

  1. What is The Workplace Flexibility Directory and Flex-Friendly certificate survey?
  2. Why should our company participate?
  3. What kinds of employers are eligible to participate?
  4. Can we apply even if we have only a few employees?
  5. How long will it take to hear back from you?
  6. How does the employer survey work?
  7. How does the employee survey work?
  8. What kinds of employees may take the survey?
  9. How many employees are required to participate?
10. Does a participating organization have to be headquartered in the United States?
11. Is there a deadlines for participation?
12. What are the promotional opportunities for companies that receive the Flex-Friendly certificate?
13. Who can I contact with questions?

What is The Workplace Flexibility Directory and Flex-Friendly certificate survey?

Flex-Friendly is a national Workplace Flexibility Directory and Certification administered on an ongoing basis by Flex-Friendly to highlight and recognize companies who offer flexible work options within their organizations.

Companies submit a application fee and sign-up form at www.employflex.com to begin the application. Once a company signs up, a company representative  (survey administrator) will complete a simple online survey  Organizations who are not sure if they will qualify should contact us for a brief pre-qualification discussion.

We review your flexibility policies, procedures and benefits--as well as the organizational culture specifically as this relates to flexible work options. Additional materials may also be submitted in support of the application as these relate to flex policies (for example: policy and procedure manuals, other awards or recognition, press or PR, or employee testimonials).

A small representative sample of employees utilizing flex work policies or procedures also complete a brief 15-minute flex-survey online or by telephone.  A thought leader and proponent of flex friendly policies in the company will also be asked to complete a very brief online or telephone survey.

Organizations policies and practices are verified and are assessed relative to best practices for workplace flexibility. Flex Friendly certified employers will be able to be listed in a national directory of Flex-Friendly Employers. Particularly innovative or successful flex policies will also be highlighted. We will also be highlighting Flex-Success stories.

Why should our company participate?

Participating in the online directory and becoming Flex-Friendly Certified is an excellent national public recognition and promotional opportunity. The certificate is also designed to help you attract highly qualified job candidates to your organization.   Stand out from the competition with consumers, stakeholders and the public.

Our national media partner will be promoting the directory and certificate and participating companies continuously through both traditional media outlets and social media outlets.  

Many small businesses and non profits do not often feel they can compete for the "Top" company awards. The Flex-Friendly certificate is designed to recognize businesses simply for striving to improve their workplace flexibility whatever their size or where they currently fall on the "flexibility spectrum." 

The application fee is modest and is priced according to company size.  It does not require formal policies or extensive benefits packages for a business to participate.  Your policies and procedures simply have to work for the people who work for or with you.  And, with this comes continual promotion of your product and your brand on our websites along with a number of multimedia opportunities.

The public is very interested in learning which companies offer some form of flexibility since this information is often hard to glean from outside a business.  The certificate appeals to all of your various stakeholders and helps brand you as a socially responsive organization.

What kinds of employers are eligible to participate?

Public and private companies, nonprofit organizations, and agencies are all eligible.  The application fee is accessible and variable depending on the size of the company.  There is also a substantial discount for non-profit applicants in recognition of their non-profit status. 

Can we apply even if we have only a few employees?

Yes, you may apply.

How long will it take to hear back from you?

Once the employer completes the brief surveys and the employees complete their survey we will notify your company quickly.  We are also flex-friendly and work hard to make the process simple and time and cost-effective.

How does the employer survey work?

The company designates a representative, a human resources professional or manager,  to complete the employer survey. This representative will be sent a unique URL access code to complete a secure survey online or can complete a simple interview over the telephone. The Flex-Friendly survey has been designed to suit all types of companies and organizations.

How long does it take to complete the Employer survey?

The initial survey is not a "best of" competition or ranking, and it is limited to your flexible working options, it is therefore much simpler to complete than most awards applications.  The process is streamlined and many answers simply require a simple check box answer. It can also be done over the phone quickly with an HR expert. 

There is a list of materials you should have available before you take the employer survey listed on the application page and on the instructions page at the beginning of the survey.  In general one should know the number of employees eligible for flexible working arrangements and the number currently utilizing flexibility.   One should also know what options for flexible work are available to your employees.

How does the Employee survey work?

Employees (currently using flexibility policies, procedures or practices) will receive  a link to complete a confidential and secure online survey. There is not a limit to the number of employees who may participate, however, only a small representative sample is needed to qualify. 

Alternatively, employees may complete a telephone survey if they do not have access to the Internet or if they prefer this method.  Employee responses are confidential and individual responses are not shared with employers unless an employee wishes to do so. If organizations would like to survey a number of employees there may be an extra processing charge to analyze the results. 

What kinds of employees may take the survey?

Only regular employees utilizing some form of "flex" may officially take the employee survey. Temporary workers and contractors are not permitted to participate as employees since they are not entitled to the same benefits and protections. If an organization is made up of primarily contract workers, we are happy to consider their comments or feedback along with the formal employee survey results, however, a minimum number of flex eligible employees must also participate.             

How many employees are required to participate?

The number of participants depends on the size of the employer. A minimum of 2 US employees must complete the survey and interview by telephone for micro-business ventures. A very small sample of employees using flexible schedules must participate for the Flex-Friendly application to be considered complete. All participants who complete the employee survey must have actively used some form of flexiblity (ie. telework,  shortened workweeks, a recent sabbatical, etc...) within the past year.

Does a participating organization have to be headquartered in the United States?

No. Please email or call us with specific requests if you do not havea a US location. US site to participate.

Is there a  deadline for participation?

Applications are rolling.   The certificate, once issued, is valid for a full year from the date of issuance.  Flex-Friendly will contact all former participant companies with a link to the sign-up form once their year has ended.  To participate in different promotional opportunities there may be deadlines, call us to learn more about our next promotional project and deadlines for participating.

If you represent an interested business, organization or agency, please send an e-mail to

info@employflex.com or call 1-800-671-0018, or visit us online at www.employflex.com.

The Workplace Flexibilty Directory and Flex-Friendly Certificate is designed as a promotional opportunity and a social responsibility project. Our goal is to increase recognition for the need for flexible jobs and to publicly celebrate companies offering flexible work options.  We will continually promote your good work and policies to the public through social and traditional media outlets in addition to allowing you to use the certificate for a full year in your own promotional marketing campaigns and as part of your branding. We have a range of promotional materials and multimedia marketing and advertising options. For more information please contact us at:  advertising@employflex.com

Who can I contact with questions?

We're happy to talk with you. Flex-Friendly can be reached at Google Voice: 1-617-299-1821 or by sending an email to info@employflex.com.  

Click below to apply for The Workplace Flexibility Directory and the Flex-Friendly Certificate,
use the pull down menu to choose number of your employees and processing fee.

A flexible work arrangement includes: