Does this flexibility exist in other companies?

Question

I work for a top financial institution and have been there 6 years. 3 years ago and after 2 kids I began working 9am-4pm in the office, at home as needed (usually once per two weeks) and at night to make up any work necessary. I total 40-50 hours per week. I'd like to pursue other opportunities potentially outside my organization and I am wondering if this type of flexibility exists elsewhere? Has anyone else had an experience successfully retaining flexibility from one company to another?

Anonymous · Answer

Every company I’ve worked for has allowed employees to work from home when needed. A lot of my friends who are in different industries with different roles also have great work-flex options. I think it varies based on the department and manager and I wouldn’t be surprised that it’s becoming more common for employers to work with employees interested in working from home/having different hours.

Anonymous · Answer

My company (tech industry) allows working from home as needed with manager approval. I'm a manager of a strong, productive team.  We discussed the policy in my staff meeting a while ago and I told them I trust them to do their jobs. Where they work is up to them. Because they are not new hires, they have proven their work ethics. So they keep me informed and work where they need to in support of work-life balance.

Some of my employees have young kids in school and day care. Sometimes it's just easier to work from home if they have doctor appointments or school meetings in the middle of the day...less driving, etc. Whatever helps them be most productive and feel better about their job works for me!

Anonymous · Answer

I think it really varies by company and industry, but you can certainly find flexible options like this. I would ask about it before accepting a job. Also, I know that lots of the reviews left by women on this site talk about flexibility at jobs, so be sure to look at those as well to see the feedback from employees anonymously.

anon2694 · Answer

Thank you for sharing your experiences and advice. I already feel more confident pursuing my search.

Anonymous · Answer

It definitely does exist at other places but I think it’s not just a company issue - it’s also a manager trust issue. So if you are thinking of leaving your company and role you should interview carefully to understand culture at your new prospective employer and to make sure you get to talk about this flexibility directly with whomever will be your new boss.

Anonymous · Answer

Not for me but my husband’s employer is really flexible. He can do a lot of work from his computer. Nevertheless, working from home or even working in a different city is absolutely allowed and even encouraged.

Anonymous · Answer

My spouse was at a major financial company (rhymes with 'Coldpan Tacks') where his manager worked 4 days a week, 2 of which were at home, for family reasons. However, she wasn't a fan of her staff working from home regularly - even the one who negotiated it as part of his compensation when he was hired. So it definitely is possible, but often depends on the individual managers and possibly on your seniority/demand for your skills. Make sure to get any promises in writing.

Anonymous · Answer

It really does vary depending on company. There are some companies that still have an old world mentally when it comes to being at an office. I would suggest asking about flex options during the interview process. That way you know if the company is the right place before you accept a new job.

Carrie Topolski · Answer

I can truly say that GE is huge on flexibility.  Especially for women and new parents.  I didn't always have that when my son was young and being a single mom it made things very stressful.  I am proud to say that things have certainly changed from where I use to work to where I work now.  There was definitely a transition period as the mentality of old school management caught up with the new ways of being a people leader.  So yes... it exists and I only see it becoming more popular in the years to come.

Does this flexibility exist in other companies?

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