Describe the program's most important achievements and lessons learned:
Achievements
Flex-Options is a demonstration project. During Fiscal Years 2004-2009, 911 employers created or expanded 2,028 flexible work policies or programs, 411 workplace flexibility events were held, and 1,198,986 employees gained access to new flexible work policies or programs.
Lessons
It generally takes six months to a year from the time an employer attends a Flex-Options event until the employer develops a workplace policy or program. During this time, they received group/one-on-one mentoring, participated in teleconference calls/webinars, and/or attended related events. •It generally takes six months to a year from the time an employer attends a Flex-Options event until the employer develops a workplace policy or program. During this time, they received group/one-on-one mentoring, participated in teleconference calls/webinars, and/or attended related events. •68% of the employers who expressed an interest in creating or expanding a flexible workplace policy or program actually created the policy or program.
Specify if the program has any internal and external evaluations, if applicable, include key findings:
Internal Evaluations: No.
External Evaluations: Yes.
An independent evaluation was completed by ERG of Lexington, Massachusetts. Feedback provided by interview subjects was largely positive, reflecting general satisfaction with the Flex-Options project. Participants indicated that they found project components to be helpful and provided a good opportunity to learn about flexible work arrangements. Interviewees who participated in workshops or seminars responded favorably to presentations.