Respond to at least two of your classmates identifying different flexible options and discussing if these options are meaningful to employees.

Peer $1$

An employee$$s work schedule is a crucial aspect when it comes to a work environment as it determines when and for how long tasks are performed. It influences work$-$life balance, productivity, and overall job satisfaction. Effective job design considers factors like shift patterns, flexibility, and workload distribution to fully use an employee$$s performance and well$-$being. When speaking about the pros and cons on advantages and disadvantages for having more of a flexible schedule are things such as employees being able to create a better work$-$life balance, allowing them to better manage personal commitments. However, a disadvantage could be potential challenges in communication and collaboration if team members have varying schedules, impacting real$-$time interactions and coordination. Some major company that allows flexible schedules is CGI, Athenahealth, CBIZ, and etc., their view behind flexible schedules is that it brings in more hires as well as forming that better work$-$life balance. The popularity of specific flexible scheduling options can vary from company to company, job roles, and organizational cultures. Common options include flextime, compressed worksheets, and remote work. Remote work is the most common in today$$s era due to the pandemic, and things that also assist that wave due from advancement in technology and the growing tend of hybrid work environments.

Peer $2$

Most people prefer a set schedule, according to Princeton University, $$In general, workers very much dislike unpredictable schedules set by employers to the point of giving up $20$ percent of wages to avoid an irregular schedule set by a boss. Forty percent of applicants said they would not choose a job like this, even if it paid $25$ percent more than a traditional position.$($American Workers Prefer Set Work Schedules, but Would Take Wage Cuts to Work From Home, $2016).$ A flexible work schedule causes a lack of structure which leads to other issues $$challenges for supervisors and managers$($Verhulst and DeCenzo, $2022),$ which may experience emotionally exhausting and stressful workdays, as well as heavier workloads which could lead to more demand on workers as well as higher turnover rates. Parents, such as myself may also prefer a set schedule where they know exactly when they are coming in and leaving rather than having it vary daily, especially for a better work$-$life balance and maintaining their parental responsibilities. Another issue with a flexible schedule may cause deadlines not to be met on time.$$

Some advantages of a flexible work schedule may be appealing to some employees, due to the ability to have a flexible schedule, this may be a better work$-$life balance, and increased morale. Some people may also find $$Flex Time$$ appealing, this is an $$alternative to traditional $9$ to $5$ work schedules allows employees to vary arrival and departure times$($Verhulst and DeCenzo, $2022).$ The flexibility of remote work is another job that may be the best option for some as we are convinced due to not needing to commute, especially during peak commuting hours. This is very appealing to highly self$-$motivated people with good time$$management skills and strong communication skills to maintain productivity