The search for work/life balance: some employers are allowing employees flexible schedules and numerous benefits. Does it work to attract and retain staff?

• Author: Ribeiro, Ana Gonzalez
• Position: GENERAL

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Working 9 to 5 is one way to make a living, but many employees are trying to find the right balance between career and family life. More companies are trying to adapt to these employee requests by restructuring the rigid workdays and implementing flexible schedules, a compressed workweek and telecommuting.

In Alaska, businesses like Anchorage Women's Clinic at Providence Hospital have been awarded the Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award (PHWA). This award was created by the American Psychological Association to recognize businesses that understand the link between employee health and wellbeing with the business' performance.

Alaska Airlines also has been a recognized leader in providing work/life balance solutions for its employees. This company is a blue chip business that serves Alaska, Canada, Mexico and the Lower 48. It offers a family oriented environment that provides opportunities such as job-sharing, flexible work hours (where the job allows), generous paid, time-off benefits, private lactation rooms for new mothers, as well as maternity, paternity and adoption leave.

AHEAD OF ITS TIME

Many companies are promoting better working solutions for employees. Alaskan Brewing Co. has had an interest in providing its employees with a work/life balance options for years. Since 1986, this Juneau company has been making award-winning beer, while focusing its corporate culture on working hard, playing hard and providing ample opportunities for both. Outside Magazine named Alaskan Brewing one of the "Best Places to Work." The compiled list was based on company benefits, compensation, job satisfaction, environmental initiatives and community outreach programs designed to identify, recognize and honor the best employers in the country.

Alaskan Brewing not only offers a highly competitive compensation, according to Ann Metcalfe, Alaskan Brewing CFO, but has always tried to accommodate its employees' personal lives into their work. Policies the company has incorporated include: rotating shifts for employees who work graveyard hours in production; offering light duty for workers injured on or off the job; and, tailoring work schedules for administrative employees for day care, school or other personal issues.

The company also recognizes 10-year employees with special dinners and time off, while 15- and 20-year employees receive airline tickets for vacation trips.

Longtime employees are given the opportunity to purchase...