Spotlight on Innovative Work-Life Programs

Alliance for Work-Life Progress (AWLP), an entity of WorldatWork, recently recognized three organizations with its 2008 Work-Life Innovative Excellence Award.

This year's honorees are Accenture, Ernst & Young and USAA.  Their award winning programs are briefly described below:

Accenture – Future Leave

After extensive research on retaining a multigenerational workforce, Accenture realized that the "work experience" needed to look past daily or weekly flexibility and address career flexibility. “Future Leave” offers an innovative alternative to the traditional leave of absence. Under Future Leave, Accenture employees are assured of a job when they return, can continue their benefit coverage at the same premium, and have the option of budgeting for the time away by having a percentage of earnings placed in a separate account. The pilot program, which was introduced to more than 30,000 U.S. employees in March 2007, was adopted as an ongoing program in Accenture’s U.S. offices this past January.

Ernst & Young – The Parents Network

The Parents Network supports the needs of Ernst & Young (EY) parents of children with special needs. The increase in disabling conditions among children in the United States has major workplace implications. The Parents Network supports partners, staff and family members by offering a safe forum in which to share experiences, needs and concerns and receive support. The network offers insurance advocacy; educational program awareness; referral to Web site resources, providers, and local community groups; and sharing face-to-face, telephonically and electronically. They discuss career issues and personal and family adjustments related to parenting children with special needs. The experiences of these parents help maximize EY’s investment in benefits and services for all its people.

USAA – Personal Balance Tool

The Personal Balance Tool (PBT) was developed in 2006 as a one-stop, Web-based resource to help USAA employees and their family members achieve greater work-life balance. Users access the tool anonymously and can easily identify all available benefits that can help them achieve their personal and professional goals and successfully meet responsibilities at work and at home. Employees may choose whatever subject they seek to self-educate, including: Benefits information, USAA product information and other services Helpful articles and tip sheets Suggestions to manage personal and work priorities Guidance to address issues with a manager/supervisor Suggestions for seeking professional assistance, including the Employee Assistance Program provided through Value Options and Work/Life Referral Program provided through Harris Rothenberg, International

Comments

[Almostgotit]

So pleased to hear that my excellent bank/insurance provider (USAA) is also an excellent place to work. Interesting that good client relationships and good work environment seem to be linked in this case, and together this can only be GOOD for their bottom line...