An Interview with Gayla Sherry: Part Two Gayla Sherry is a veteran HR consultant, teacher, speaker, and author. Owner of Gayla R. Sherry Associates, she holds Senior Professional in Human Resources and Certified Management Consultant credentials. Ms. Sherry will be one of the featured speakers at this year's Strategic HR Leadership Summit. Learn More Q: What are some flexible scheduling options that employers could consider? GS: "There are many variations, and obviously, the options have to fit the organization’s needs to provide products and services to its customers. I’ll discuss several models in the presentation, but options include shifting to fewer workdays with longer shifts, flexible scheduling within a certain window of time, part-time work for retirees, job-sharing, and telecommuting. A key element for successful flexible scheduling is to provide some control for the employee and manager." Q: As an HR professional, you're on board with flexible scheduling, but your managers don't agree — can you change their minds? GS: "There are some whose minds can be changed, but it is a persuasive measure to do so. I think managers need to understand why flexible scheduling is positive in the work environment and they have to see its benefits. It’s also important to make sure managers know that accepting and embracing change — of any kind — is a performance expectation that will be rewarded. The bottom line, however, is if managers cannot possibly accommodate flexible scheduling, it may be necessary to replace the manager with one who can embrace it." Q: Can you give us a teaser as to what Strategic HR attendees can expect from this year's Flex Strategies That Save You Money and Attract — and Retain — Top Performers session? GS: "I want to provide quick, practical ideas about what organizations should stop, continue, and start doing to attract and retain top performers. These ideas are from primary and secondary research sources and include success stories. I also have attended many conferences and recognize that the last session before the conference closing is not always met with the excitement of the first day sessions — especially in Las Vegas! Therefore, my goal is to 'be bright, be brief and be gone.'" You can hear more from Gayla in the Flex Strategies That Save You Money and Attract — and Retain — Top Performers session at this year's Strategic HR Leadership Summit. How to Register: Register Now online or call (800) 274-6774 Please mention Conference Code R221J when calling. Credit Information : This program has been approved for 8.5 strategic recertification credit hours through the HR Certification Institute (14.5 if you attend two pre-conference workshops). For more information about certification and recertification, please visit the HR Certificate Institute website at www.hrci.org.