HBR Guide to Managing Flexible Work (HBR Guide Series)

CHAPTER 5

Adventures in Alternative Work Arrangements

by Michele Benton

Before having kids, we tend to envision ourselves as the devoted company worker, always present, fully committed, and willing to give extra effort to get the job done. But with children come new demands, especially for the majority of us who are in dual-career households. Our commitment and career ambitions hold true; it’s just harder to fit life around traditional work structures. It would seem that alternative work programs—flexible hours, remote work, part-time salaried work, job shares, and lateral moves—create a win-win for employers, employees, and families.

Unfortunately, alternative work is a bit of a ruse. Most employers offer it, usually as part of their inclusion ...