By Rick Nauert PhD Senior News Editor
Reviewed by John M. Grohol, Psy.D.on April 7, 2011
Drs. Erin Kelly and Phyllis Moen reviewed data from surveys of more than 600 employees and company records employed by retail giant Best-Buy. Records were analyzed before and after the implementation of a so-called “Results Only Work Environment” (ROWE) workplace initiative.
ROWE looks at results rather than a set work schedule and location. Employees could routinely change when and where they worked without seeking permission from a manager or even notifying one.
Moen and Kelly examined whether the initiative affects work-family conflict, whether schedule control plays a role in these effects, and whether work demands (including long hours) moderate the initiative’s effects on work-family outcomes.
“Previous research has not been able to assess whether workplace policies or initiatives succeed in reducing work-family conflict or increasing work-family fit,” Kelly said.
“The study points to the importance of schedule control for understanding job quality and for management policies and practices,” Moen said.
“With these changes in the workplace, employees gained control over the time and timing of their work in ways that benefitted them and, by extension, their families and communities,” Kelly said.
“It is feasible to broaden access to schedule control and thereby relieve work-family conflicts and improve work-family fit for more workers,” Moen said.
The research also demonstrates positive impact of the Results Only Work Environment initiative for the company. The researchers found that ROWE reduced turnover by 45 percent—after controlling for multiple factors like job level, organizational tenure, job satisfaction, income adequacy, job security, and other turnover intentions.
Specifically, only 6 percent of ROWE participants left the company during the eight month study period while 11 percent of the comparison group left. ROWE also reduced turnover intentions among those remaining with the corporation.
“By showing that a policy initiative like ROWE can reduce turnover, this research moves the ‘opting out’ argument—whether one chooses family over work—from a private issue to an issue of how employers can change the workplace to better meet the needs of employees,” Moen said.
Their work is published in the journal American Sociological Review.
Source: American Sociological Association
Related News Articles
-->Related Clinical Articles
-->
Advocacy and Policy, General, LifeHelper, Relationships and Sexuality, Stress, Work and Career -->
« News Index
Family &ParentingParenting ArticlesFamily Articles Children and Teen ArticlesSchool IssuesStudent Articles Divorce ArticlesDomestic Violence Active Father-Figure Helps Kids
Recommended Books
Connecting Your Family inDisconnecting Times, a parenting e-book by Marie Hartwell-Walker, Ed.D. 
by Laura L. Smith, Ph.D. and Charles H. Elliott, Ph.D. Latest ArticlesParenting As a Team When You’re Living ApartUnderstanding and Managing Your Controlling MotherMarriage Communication: 3 Common Mistakes and How To Fix ThemAdult Asperger’s: The Relief of A Diagnosis7 Ways To Make Interfaith Relationships WorkThe Books That Changed These 6 Psychologists’ Lives
From Our News BureauMild Sibling Rivalry Can Enhance Social Development Domestic Abuse by Women Can Cause PTSD in Men Untreated Depression Linked to Chronic Illness Just Published...21 Tips to Stop Being a People-PleaserThe responsiblities of depression and alcoholismGetting the Love You Want, Over and Over Again
What's HotMy Own Love is the Most Important Love
advertisementMost Popular NewsMild Sibling Rivalry Can Enhance Social Development Domestic Abuse by Women Can Cause PTSD in Men Lasting Benefits from Depression Treatment Untreated Depression Linked to Chronic Illness Molecular Switch Hikes Likelihood of Schizophrenia, Mood Disorders Survey: Vast Majority of Problem Drinkers in Denial For Some, Food 'Addiction' Similar to Substance Abuse Affectionate Communication Can Help Ease Emotional Disconnect Parkinson's Linked to Risk of Prostate Cancer Poor Kids Still Less Likely to Get Autism Diagnosis Most Popular Blog PostsGetting the Love You Want, Over and Over Again Virginia Heffernan on Internet Addiction What Not to Say to a Grieving Family Has Psychiatry Really Abandoned Psychotherapy? Behind the New York Times Story Unexpected Crying: How Do You Handle It? Psychiatrists Are Like Catholics: Disliked by the Media Concealed Sexual Orientation Is Like an Abscess 12 Steps to Break Your Addiction to a Person When Is it Okay To Hug Your Therapist? 8 Ways to Overcome Jealousy and Envy Subscribe to Our Weekly Newsletter
advertisementFind a Therapist
Users Online: 3397
Join Us Now!
Local GuidesAll Guides
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
DC
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Need to chat with someone now? Live therapists are available 24/7 to chat online--> #footer { height:220px; } #foot-mid { margin:0 0 0 40px; } Home • About Us • Advertise with Us • Contact UsPrivacy Policy • Terms of Use • Site Map • Disclaimer/Disclosure • Feeds
Download the Psych Central Toolbar Copyright © 1992-2011 Psych Central. All rights reserved. Site last updated: 10 Apr 2011 Psych Central Professional
Psych Central Answers
Psych Central Blog Network
Psych Central News
Tests & Quizzes
Sanity Score
Forums • NeuroTalk
ADHD
Anxiety
Bipolar
Depression
Schizophrenia
Psychotherapy
We complywith the
HONcode
standard:
Verify here
0 comments:
Post a Comment