No More Desk Miles-Creating Results Driven Careers

No More Desk Miles

Canadian companies have an opportunity to increasingly highlight the importance of an individual’s family life within their work expectations. With the introduction of technology to our work environments, for many career positions it is no longer about “desk miles” but rather about results. It is possible to offer a flexible schedule or a reduced work week if the goals of the organization are being met. It is also important to remember that an individual may only need a reduced work week for a certain period of their parenting cycle. The employees that are offered a bespoke work experience are also the ones that will be more loyal and willing to invest back into the company as their time becomes increasingly available as their families mature. Investing in creative solutions for employees can be a win-win for both individuals and corporations.

There was a very interesting article in The Vancouver Sun, “A New Approach to Leadership”, that discussed the Scandinavian leadership model that values consensus and collaboration over hierarchy and self promotion within the workplace. In Scandinavian countries success is driven by thinking and decision-making that is more collaborative, more feminine, than the North American male dominated model. This model is well suited to the current global, knowledge based economy we live in and is well suited to developing a workplace model that works for professionally minded mothers.

In Scandinavian countries, such as Denmark and Sweden, there is a real understanding of the need to include family life within the makeup of the workforce. Parental leave is viewed as part of the process of professional development, paternity leave is offered and the emphasis is placed on ensuring work is a compliment to an individuals life. Inger Buus, a researcher at the Danish Institute, wrote a report in 2004 about this Scandinavian leadership model that is based on “respect for the individual”.

Recognizing a results focused work environment will allow employers to create flexible work arrangements in order to attract and retain highly talented candidates who would normally opt to stay Canadian companies have an opportunity to increasingly highlight the importance of an individual’s family life within their work expectations. With the introduction of technology to our work environments, for many career positions it is no longer about “desk miles” but rather about results. It is possible to offer a flexible schedule or a reduced work week if the goals of the organization are being met. It is also important to remember that an individual may only need a reduced work week for a certain period of their parenting cycle. The employees that are offered a bespoke work experience are also the ones that will be more loyal and willing to invest back into the company as their time becomes increasingly available as their families mature. Investing in creative solutions for employees can be a win-win for both individuals and corporations.