A strategic framework for businesses leaders who are grappling with the backlash against the post-pandemic "return to office" demonstrates the strong case for holistic flexibility
Forced to allow remote and hybrid work arrangements during the onset of COVID-19, some organizations made the transition to flexibility with great success, but others floundered because they failed to integrate diversity and flexibility policies throughout their culture. This book shows how to build practices that maximize the potential of every work environment, whether hybrid or not, for connection, collaboration, communication, and contribution.
The Flexibility Paradigm posits that in order to create the return on experience required for flexibility, leaders and managers need to shift their perspective and recognize flexibility as a way to strengthen their organization. Hybrid work is just one part of holistic flexibility, whereby people have options for not just where they work but also how long they work and when they work. Formerly misperceived as a "women's issue," flexibility is now seen to benefit all employees; therefore, it must be degendered, deparented, and destigmatized.
This book presents the strategy and framework needed by professional services firms and other organizations to create an entire culture that allows their organization to build on their strengths and lead the future of work. Leaders will learn that flexibility has a strong business case: it drives productivity, talent, diversity, engagement, sustainability, and ultimately profitability.
Reviews
"Morales was researching and advising leaders on the value of holistic flexibility for years before this way of working became the norm in so many organizations. With great clarity, insight, and brevity, she explains to leaders how to use the concept of flexibility to create a more collaborative culture. She shows that success happens when flexible work is 'done right,' not when it is ignored, wished away, or done poorly. This book helps leaders avoid the needless but ubiquitous pitfalls of our post-pandemic work-life experience."—Jeanine Turner, professor of communication, Georgetown University, author of Being Present: Commanding Attention at Work (and at Home) by Managing Your Social Presence
"In The Flexibility Paradigm, Manar Morales makes a strong business case for creating a culture of flexibility in today's organizations. She not only dispels the myths and misperceptions around flexibility—she offers a framework for achieving it."—Jo Ann Jenkins, CEO, AARP
"Morales redefines the modern workplace with a human-centered, flexible approach. Written with precision and heart, this essential guide empowers leaders to create adaptable, empathetic, and thriving organizations. A must read for those leading in today's evolving work landscape."—Simon Bowen, founder and CEO, The Models Method, creator, The Genius Model
"Organizations are grappling with structural, demographic, and technological changes that impact workforces in all sorts of industries. The Flexibility Paradigm attempts to bring an analytical structure to a complex issue—without oversimplifying the challenge. To paraphrase her words, 'don't build for the workforce you used to have . . . build for the one you want in the future.' Manar offers a useful way to think about the many factors that allow leaders to execute on that simple premise."—J. Stephen Poor, partner and chair emeritus, Seyfarth
"Manar Morales makes a powerful case for flexibility as a rare strategy that simultaneously benefits employees, customers, and the organization. Based on extensive research and years of experience, her Flex Success approach provides a clear path to put flexibility into practice. It's a call to action for every leader!"—Burton White, cofounder and CEO, Excella
"The Flexibility Paradigm is a must read for all leaders who aspire to build organizational cultures that will attract top talent and foster the innovation necessary to succeed in a changing and charged environment. Manar Morales offers the definitive guide on both the why and how to transform your organization through a flexible work culture."—Susan Neely, president and CEO, ACLI
"If you are pondering how to make flexible work options good for your business and employees, this is the book for you. As workplaces continue to evolve, this step-by-step guide provides real world examples to intentionally create a human-centered culture and work environment."—Barri Refferty, CEO, Americas
About the Author
Manar Sweillam Morales is the founder, president, and CEO of the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance, a think tank that collaborates with organizations to transform organizational cultures. She is a member of the President's Council of Cornell Women and the International Women's Forum. She was a 2023 recipient of the President's Lifetime Achievement Award for service.
