Read the reading listed below and then answer the questions in the following sentences listed below the reading:

$$You were promoted to a management position a few months ago. You are responsible for leading a team of six people. The team has been working well together, which you credit to the fact that each member has clearly defined roles. However, one team member approaches you to request more flexible work hours as they have a young child. You know the team member is hardworking and diligent, and they assure you that they will continue to keep up with their workload. Although everyone on the team has a fixed schedule, you believe this is a reasonable request. Given you know the team member well, you approve the flexible schedule.

The following week, it is apparent that everyone on the team is aware that you allowed a team member to have a flexible schedule. You overhear two team members expressing their frustration that there have been some communication and coordination issues because of the team member$$s flexible schedule. They express that they wish they had been made aware or consulted about this change in the team member$$s schedule. Furthermore, some insinuate that you were $$playing favorites$$ with this team member and that it was not fair to the rest of the team.

Flexible work arrangements or $$idiosyncratic deals$$ are becoming more common in the workplace. I$-$deals have several positive benefits, including increased motivation and employee loyalty to the organization. Further, you are reasonably confident this was a decision that you were well within your power to make as a manager. However, it seems that the I$-$deal you made with one of your employees was not well received by your other team members.

Questions:

$1.$ In what ways do you believe providing special work arrangements or accommodations for employees impacts employee motivation? How does it help? How does it hurt?

$2.$ Should the whole team have decided on the team member$$s schedule accommodations collectively? Why or why not?

$3.$ How else might the manager have handled the situation to prevent potential issues, including a negative impact on the team$$s performance?