A few legislative acts are underway and could mean more assistance to those looking for a flexible work schedule.
Working Mother magazine compiled this list of potential workplace flexibility laws although the article points out that none of the laws are likely to pass this year.
Working Families Flexibility Act (H.R. 1274): This legislation would give employees the right to request flexible work terms and receive a written response from their employer within 14 days.
Family Friendly Workplace Act (H.R. 933): This legislation would amend the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) to permit employers to offer employees the choice of receiving paid time off in lieu of overtime wages.
The Family Work Flexibility Act: Aims to amend the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for the cost of teleworking equipment used by employees to telework and for expenses to maintain such equipment.
The last item, the Family Work Flexibility Act, seems it would have the best measure of success with companies. I’m unsure of the potential of the other two laws. For one, it’s unfortunate that legislation is underway to simply allow an employee the right to request flexible work terms and receive a written response from their employer (which will likely be “no, but thanks for asking.”).
It’s nice to know that some folks are thinking about workplace flexibility options but it still has a long way to go.
Filed under: telecommuting
