Employers must offer these benefits to remain competitive in today's war for talent. The appeal of flex time comes as no surprise to Tennessee Bun Co. chief Cordia Harrington. Most employees at the bakery's Dickson plant elect to work three 12-hour shifts per week during the summer, receiving full benefits for the 36 hours. One office staffer works 7 a.m. to noon to spend more time with her child. Another employee works a part-time schedule of three weeks on, one week off.
Workers meet every few months to decide whether to adjust the schedules by season.
Harrington believes that despite Tennessee Bun's nontraditional shifts compared to standard manufacturing plants, the operation is actually more productive because the employees have a voice in their own schedules. As long as we achieve the ultimate goal, if there's a way we can keep our employees happy and give them the quality of life they want, it's a win for both of us. Michael Davis covers transportation, manufacturing and organized labor for The Tennessean. Associated Press content is Copyrighted by The Associated Press.