On Monday, March 12, Whitney Forstner of Momentum Resources joined Kate Ebner on Visionary Leader, Extraordinary Life to talk about how work and life can work better together. Founded in 2007, Whitney's company Momentum Resources, is a placement agency that connects accomplished people seeking flexible work with companies that value experience and talent over time.  

In today's recovering economy, employers are more open than ever to flexible schedules, which allows them to bring top talent in the door at a reasonable cost due to flexible and reduced employee work hours. During the show, Whitney offered organizations advice on how to introduce flexible work options to employees. 

Whitney shared, "The definition of flexibility is different for everyone. A true 40-hour a week schedule is flexible for a person currently working 75 hours a week. Others may think that working from home one day a week is flexible, while someone else may need to work between 8 a.m. and 2:00 p.m." Whitney encourages employers to ask what the employee is looking for in terms of flexibility; since each person's needs are different, it is best not to assume that flexibility means the same thing to all individuals.  

"Flexibility is also a great way to build loyalty at low or zero cost," says Whitney. Giving the person the opportunity to do what they need to do, such as go to a child's soccer game, is going to make the person work harder and be more committed and loyal to the company in the long-run.

Finally, Whitney reminded us that, "Flexibility is important, but not everyone wants it. HR leaders often say, 'If I offer flexibility for one person, then I need to offer it to everyone in the whole company. This is not the case.'  Not everyone wants flexibility, and not everyone can afford to work part-time.  Most people want to work traditional work schedules. A growing minority want to find flexibility at work in order to succeed at work and in their home life."

To hear more of Whitney's advice about how to succeed in landing a flexible job or how to approach putting flexible options in place as an organization, listen to the March 12th show or visit www.mom_entumresources.com.   

• On a blank sheet of paper, write down everything that is important to you - your partner, your children, making money, volunteering at your child's school, serving socially responsible businesses, spending time with your mother, etc.
• Once the list is created, categorize the priorities as personal, work, etc.
• Draw a box around the values and priorities that are most important to you. These are the elements that you will protect as you develop and select work options. 

These highlighted items also now become a map for what you will find motivating and fulfilling. Using this new map, what opportunities might be available that match these priorities? Is the picture realistic? What minor adjustments can you make to make it moreso?   

Next, figure out what you are flexible about and what you are not. This clarity will help you negotiate the opportunity that is exactly right for you.   

Finally, as you explore options, remain focused and aware of what's most important to you, but be flexible. Together, you and your future employer will find the right blend if you are able to articulate what you want to offer and what you cannot.