For this module’s discussion, think about the health-related policy that you reviewed for Political Feasibility and Economic Viability.
Explain how the social context facilitates or complicates the implementation and maintenance of the policy?
Flextime is a health policy that is currently gaining momentum, though it received critics in the past. Flextime is a work arrangement that gives the workforce to have a choice on working days and time (Kenton). The policy provides ample time for the employees to schedule their work and spend part it in attending an exercise or health-related issues. The policy is hindering progressive work as it advocates for a break during working as pause covers for medical checkups and exercises (Borison). The policy is tough to apply, where employers consider working hours as part of productivity.
The policy is full of criticism, with some employers failing to embrace it. Employers are uneasy with the approval flextime policy since they mythically believe that there will be low productivity of employees without supervision (Kossek). Most of the political class argues that policy encourages absenteeism and laziness at work. Some employees will take advantage of the time to hang around, complaining that they are in the flex period. The political class further critiques the policy as stating that it does not embrace progressive productivity in a production company. Some countries, like Japan, discourage flextime policy since it discourages productivity (Okutsu and Sugiura). The policy may sometimes be a threat to the organizational cultures since it embraces laxity among the workforce (VOzza). The flextime policy requires excellent communication in the workforce that may lead to failure of the operation of the company due to miscommunication (Tingum).
Flextime policy does not provide a perfect solution but instead has challenges. Employers can set goals and expectations for each employee to moderate and balance the policy. As an employer, ensure that everyone on flextime complete their role in the company. The employer can establish remote working for employees if possible. Regulation of flextime is necessary for the policy to be useful as well as productive.
