Is your company family-friendly?

Offering a family-friendly work environment isn't a new topic, but for many years it's been mainy focused on women. But today we're seeing more men helping at classroom parties, joining kids on field trips and driving kids or parents to doctor visits. Here are some statistics from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation to show what employees want today:

– 63% believe we don't have enough time for spouses or partners

– 74% say we don't have enough time for our children

– 35% are putting significant time toward caring for an elderly relative

– 75% of us want flexible work options

We can't speak for others, but here at DLA Creative, we strive to make this a place that's easy for all parents (and non-parents) to work – while still remaining professional in our client interactions. It's always a balancing act to meet client needs and employee needs, but we believe it can be done. And SHOULD be done. Here are some of the things we've implemented:

• Pre-determined flex-time

• Modified work schedules during school holidays

• Ability to work from home as needed

• Casual dress code (saves money!)

• Parents are encouraged to participate in children's activities

• Employees' extended families (spouses, parents, etc.,) are always welcome

So ... what things does your company offer to make your job family friendly? Post your comments here.

Think like a crook...

While the headline may sound sinister, it really isn't.

Stop and think for a moment. When do burglars do some of their best work? When families are on vacation or their guard is down.

Now apply that to your business. Sometimes organizations take on a different mindset during the summer (or a down economy), giving you the perfect opportunity to be the only one promoting your product or service. Now is the time to "be the burglar" scooping up the sales. Want some ideas for jump-starting your marketing or putting together an ongoing plan? Call, click or come on over!

309.693.1421 • mjlefebvre@dlacreative.com • 3332 W. Willow Knolls Rd., Peoria

How Tweet It Is

A good reminder from Business Week about the impact of social media – in this case, from a potentially negative perspective. This can apply to blogs, Twitter, MySpace, Facebook and a host of other social media available today. If you'd like to discuss how to incorporate social media into your marketing mix, shoot me an email at mjlefebvre@dlacreative.com. Thanks – Michelle

Market Now? Yes!

When times get tough, one of the first things some companies cut is their marketing budget, but is that such a great idea? Check out my current article in InterBusiness Issues magazine for the answer.