When Work Works was a nationwide initiative for recognizing businesses in the U.S, it was conducted by the SHRM, which stands for the Society for Human Resource Management. The aim was to assist all businesses in succeeding by changing the way they run business and providing an effective yet flexible workplace for both employees and employers.
The When Work Works Award is given to companies that have shown a commitment to providing their employees with the flexibility and autonomy to balance work and life. Winners of this award are recognized for their dedication to offering their employees the ability to balance work and life to allow them to be their best selves. The Society presents the award, and the Families and Work Institute (FWI) acted as the community partner for the When Work Works Award by hosting regular local events to recognize the winners. .
When it was started
The When Work Works Award is a national recognition of employers who have created great workplaces.
The award is sponsored by the Families and Work Institute and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. It's been given out since 1996, and more than 650 organizations have been recognized for their workplace policies and programs.
The award is given out in three categories: small, medium, and large organizations. Winners are chosen based on their flexibility, supportiveness, and effectiveness.
What is the National Study of Employers?
The National-Study-of-Employers, also known as NSEE, is a study that examines workplace flexibility and how it affects employees and businesses.
The study is conducted by the Families and Work Institute (FWI) in partnership with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). The study is conducted every three years and surveys over 1,500 employers from various industries.
The National Study of Employers is important because it provides data on how workplace flexibility benefits employees and businesses. The study has found that workplace flexibility leads to lower employee turnover, higher employee productivity, and reduced costs for businesses.
What did they study?
The National Study of Employers is the largest and most comprehensive survey of U.S. employers ever undertaken. The study, conducted by the Families and Work Institute with support from The Coca-Cola Company, surveyed nearly 2,000 employers to learn how they manage work and family issues and identify best practices.
The When Work Works award is based on the findings of this groundbreaking study. It recognizes organizations that have successfully created workplace policies and practices that promote productive and effective employee work-life balance.
Why is the When Work Works award so successful?
One study shows that over 45% of CEOs are unhappy with what they do. And more than 55% of employees feel the same about their job. The main reasons for this are improper management, lack of flexibility, and other related things in the workplace. This is where the When Work Works came forward and became successful. They succeeded for a number of reasons.
First, the award is based on a rigorous research methodology that uses a proven, data-driven framework. Second, the award is unique. It takes a holistic view of workplace flexibility and awards organizations for their efforts in all areas, not just one or two. Third, the award is highly respected and coveted by employers nationwide.
Finally, the award helps change the conversation about work-life balance. It shows that it's possible to have flexibility and success in the workplace.
Award Winners
Over the years, many companies of different sizes have been honored with this prestigious award. Some of them include:
- Bonobos
- Epic Games
- Genius
- Schick
- SHODOR
- Orbit Logic Incorporated
- The Center for Community Career Education
- Altair Engineering
- Bryan Cave’s Chicago
- Shumsky
- Steffes
Requirements for Application
What Were Needed to Qualify for the When Work Works Award?
[Did you know that this award was previously named the Sloan Award?]
- One must have at least 10 (ten) working employees.
- The employee can be full-time or part-time, and they must receive a W-2 form. But it will exclude interns and contract workers.
- The company must be working for at least one year to qualify.
- A designated liaison is a must for the company/organization.
- If a company has more than one location, each site needs a separate application.
The Mission
When Work Works started its journey to bring some positive changes in organizations/companies. They include:
- Ensuring an effective and flexible workplace
- Creating a more relaxed and effective workplace by inspiring local employees.
- Awarding qualified employers to recognize their effort through the When Work Works award.
Why Employers Applied
There are mainly three reasons employers applied for this award.
- They received national recognition in all media.
- They received a detailed benchmarking report.
- Guide to Bold New Ideas featured them as winners.
Applicants received a completely free report on their performance. It allowed them to compare themselves with the award winners.
Why It has Stopped
As the project owner changes, the former host no longer continues giving the award. The former executive producer claims that the current organization still encourages employers to ensure a flexible workplace. Still, at the same time, they support Congress against these rights. It is why the former host stopped working on this nationwide, research-based program. But still, they will work to partner with family-supportive employers to build a better workplace.
As change is the only constant, this platform scrutinizes everything and gathers energy to adapt to the ever-changing corporate arena and revolutionize the productivity world.
When Work Works Past Resources
- 2016-National-Study-of-Employers.pdf
- CA-Flex-Brochure.pdf
- FlexAtAGlanceBrochure.pdf
- www_us_workflex.pdf
- manufacturing-guide.pdf
- National Study of Employers (NSE) - Flier.pdf
- EffectiveWorkplace-1pager.pdf
- workflex-in-retail-service-hospitality-guide.pdf
- workflex-and-managers-guide.pdf
- workflex-and-small-business-guide.pdf
- workflex_employee_toolkit.pdf
- workflex-and-telework-guide.pdf