Big-time flex time

Big-time flex time

Flexibility matters. We’ve heard that message loud and clear, especially from our millennial talent. Next year, we project that millennials will make up 80% of PwC’s workforce, and our success depends on attracting and retaining the best of their generation. For some, flexibility means pursuing other significant interests—running a beachside café, caring for a family member or volunteering. For me, flexibility means making time to explore the world and to enjoy my 1 and 4 year old daughters as they grow up.

In today’s environment, there are opportunities to think about work in new ways—it IS possible to design a career in which your personal and professional interests flourish. And, it is possible to focus 100% of your attention on each at various times of the year.

At PwC, our Flexibility2 Talent Network (FTN) is a group of experienced individuals who return to the firm during peak periods to support our client engagement teams. FTN staff crucially boost our full-time teams during their crunch periods, improving their work-life flexibility and our client service. At the same time, members of the FTN keep their skills current, remain connected to their profession, and enjoy focusing on other interests during the remainder of the year.

Take Alex DiMattia for example. Alex joined PwC’s tax practice in Philadelphia after graduating magna cum laude from West Chester University of Pennsylvania. He spent two years at the firm, but eventually left so he could pursue his dream of becoming a musician. Alex told us that he knew he wouldn’t be able to give 100% to PwC while pursuing that dream, and we feel strongly that an awareness of your passions, interests and goals is an asset. Alex has since released his first record, “Starting Again,” as well as several singles. He has performed around the country and also volunteers at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York with Musicians on Call, a group that provides musical performances for patients who are undergoing treatment or are unable to leave their beds.

Of course, we’d like to have Alex’s talent at PwC year-round, but instead of losing him altogether, we have a high-performing person we can rely on during a time of year when it’s all hands on deck. To date, he has completed two, three-month assignments while maintaining the flexibility he desires. Case in point, when Alex received a call during one of those assignments to play The Viper Room on the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles, the partner arranged for Alex to work out of the LA office for a few days.

After this busy season, Alex will head to Nashville to record a new album -- another milestone in his journey to follow his passion as a singer/songwriter. As he says, he now has “the best of both worlds,” and so does PwC.

Sandra Elam

Student at Morehead State University

8y

I enjoyed reading this article. PWC is the perfect answer for starving artists.

Donne Sephton

Head: Advisory Services at FirstRand Group and IFRIC Committee Member of the IASB

8y

About time! Hopefully the SA PwC firm will follow suit.

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Dani Maxfield ACICM

Credit Manager at Mott MacDonald Ltd

8y

Awesome idea, still early days for some but hopefully more will embrace this

Sherry Irwin

Comprehensive Financial Planning / Investment Management - no product sales - ever!

8y

I promise you it's not just the millenials that appreciate and seek out this flexibility. It will be paramount for me in my next pursuit. Many companies give lip service to flexible arrangements. I see the best execution and follow through in consulting firms right now. Kudos to PwC. I hope other corp entities gain some insight. Maybe they'll see your article here, Rod and pay attention.

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Susan Snipes

GPHR, SPHR, MS HRM - Fractional Human Resources, Global HR Advisor

8y

Too often employers see it as an employee's distinct privilege to work for them. They do not consider that they are actually lucky to have that person. PWC has the right attitude!

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