Go with the ROWE
At Chartwell Agency, we are well-versed in the rapidly changing trends in communication. As a result, the integrated communications plans and strategies we develop for clients are very much considered “living” documents, and often change to reflect current and emerging trends. In Chartwell’s world, the only thing that remains constant is change. With constant changes to the way we send and receive communication, our team is always learning and adapting.
Just like we are keeping up with trends and cutting-edge advancements in our industry to benefit our clients, we are always looking for ways to enhance our workplace culture , keeping things fresh and exciting. Nearly three years ago, our company recognized a shift in the workplace fueled by technology; we didn’t need to be in an office, behind desk to produce outstanding results for our clients. Creative juices don’t just flow between the hours of 8am and 5pm, so we took a leap of faith and became a Results-Only Work Environment (ROWE®).
ROWE is a management strategy where employees are evaluated on performance, not presence. In a ROWE, people focus on results and only results – increasing performance and production while creating the right climate for people to manage all the demands in their lives. By its simplest definition, in a ROWE, every person is free to work when they want, where they want and how they want as long as the work gets done. It doesn’t matter when or where we work because we have the tools to get the job done anywhere and are still able to provide great results for our clients.
For some, ROWE means coming in at 10 am because they wanted to get their workout in before starting the day. For others it may mean leaving at 3 pm to stop and get groceries before heading home. Everyone in our organization uses ROWE a little differently. We all make it work for our individual lifestyles. For me, I am available during “normal” business hours from 8 am to 5 pm, but I do take advantage of some of the great aspects of ROWE, like working at home or at a local coffee shop.
CDW, a provider of technology products for business, government and education, produced a commercial on a “flexible work environment.” While this piece is an ad promoting one of their technology solutions, I think it’s a great example of how technology has allowed work places to be more flexible about how and where people spend their time.
We often joke at our firm that our best ideas and concepts were not realized around a board room table. But it’s not a joke, it’s a reality. I created an award-winning campaign concept in my head, in the shower. I have come up with some amazing story pitch ideas watching the Today Show while running on the treadmill.
I am proud to work for an organization that recognizes that creating a work-life balance will help employees be more productive and ultimately more successful. Just like Chartwell Agency adapts to the ever-changing landscape of communication and technology to benefit our clients, companies must be willing to adapt their work environment to reflect the lifestyles of their employees. If your employees are able to perform a majority of their daily tasks from a laptop or mobile device, consider if ROWE may be a good option for you and your team.
Author Note: (This blog was drafted while sitting at my kitchen counter, in my bathrobe).
