Publication

WASHINGTON – Following the introduction of H.R. 4219, the Workflex in the 21st Century Act, Republican Main Street Partnership and the Progressive Policy Institute today released statements in support of the new legislation. Introduced by Rep. Mimi Walters (CA-45), the bill provides American businesses and their employees with greater choice, flexibility and predictability for the schedule and structure of their workplace.

“To balance the demands of work, family, and the curveballs life throws at you, PPI has long supported flexible work arrangements for workers, including paid parental, family, and medical leave. The Workflex in the 21st Century Act grants both part-time and full-time employees the paid leave and workflex benefits they need, like compressed and predictable work scheduling and telework, while providing employers with the flexibility they need to administer these benefits,” said Progressive Policy Institute President Will Marshall.

“For employers looking to attract a talented workforce, the legislation creates a voluntary program of compensable leave based on employment size and the amount of time an employee has spent with the company. Under this voluntary approach, employers would be obliged not only to provide generous leave but also to offer their employees more flexible work arrangements. In return, companies could avoid rigid, one-size-fits-all mandates that make it difficult to create the nimble, responsive workplaces today’s economy demands. This proposal would not relieve any company of the responsibility to offer paid leave; companies that don’t opt-in would continue to be subject to state mandates.

“The collaborative Workflex approach is thus a win-win solution for workers and employers, and as such deserves the support of pro-growth progressives.”

“Since starting the Women2Women Conversations Tour in 2014, I have heard from families across the country who are looking for a sustainable work-life balance that is supported in the workplace,” said Sarah Chamberlain, President and CEO of Republican Main Street Partnership. “As modern life demands more of our time and attention, workplace flexibility is an innovative and common sense solution for families nationwide. Workflex is a responsible approach and a welcome step for employees and employers alike.”

The Workflex in the 21st Century Act would help employees strike a better work-life balance. Studies have shown that employees want a workplace that supports both their personal and professional responsibilities. Employers who choose to adopt a workflex plan would be required to provide paid leave to all employees and offer all employees the option to participate in at least one of six flexible scheduling options, such as telework or predictable scheduling. Importantly, paid leave can be used as employees see fit: there are no restrictions. For more information on this legislation, please click here.

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