This month, Kentucky is one of three states in the union to launch the When Work Works initiative which offers an opportunity to receive national recognition for Kentucky's best and brightest employers.
The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce along with several other community organizations are joining forces as the Core Leadership Community Coalition (CLCC). Together, they will guide this community-based initiative designed to stress the importance of workplace flexibility through a variety of educational opportunities. This is an important mission. Flexibility in the workplace is more than a fad. It's an emerging trend around the globe.
"State government is extremely pleased to partner with other pioneers to develop and implement integrated workplace strategies and research emerging global trends," says Governor Steve Beshear. "Better workplace practices will help Kentucky become not only an employer-of-choice but also a state-of-choice."
The program also provides employers the chance to apply for the Alfred P. Sloan Awards for Business Excellence in Workplace Flexibility, a feather in the cap that comes with recognition in a full-page advertisement in USA Today, the Congressional Record and other media outlets.
"This is an excellent opportunity for the state's businesses to showcase their workplace flexibility practices and to get local, state and national publicity," says Jennifer Swanberg, executive director of the Institute for Workplace Innovation at the University of Kentucky.
Ultimately, flexible employers make for happy employees.
“Employers who create innovative workplaces with flexibility have an advantage in recruiting and retaining top talent," Swanberg says.
And happy talented people are the foundation of thriving businesses.
"This is also an opportunity to present the Commonwealth on a national stage as a state with innovative employers who strive to promote a culture that is supportive of employees and their families while simultaneously achieving business success," Swanberg says.
Interested Kentucky employers can apply online for the Sloan Awards until April 20.
Writer: Jonathan DeHart
Source: Lee Ann Walton, University of Kentucky
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