For Booz Allen Hamilton Associate Carla Smith, maintaining a healthy work-life balance means taking one Friday off each month to pursue her Master's degree in Organization Management at American University. Smith, who has been with Booz Allen for three years, didn't start out as a "FlexWorker."

"The flex work option was part of what attracted me to Booz Allen, but I wanted to develop my network at the firm before flexing. I started flexible work arrangements about nine months after joining the company. I have a physical office in Rockville, staff in Virginia, and clients everywhere...so the flexibility really works for me."

The mother of two young daughters, Smith tries to be home-based one day per week.

A Variety of Flexible Work Options

Booz Allen's diverse workforce includes both parents and career couples, and staff with educational and community commitments.

To meet the needs of this group, the firm offers flexible work options that encompass job sharing, part-time employment, and responsive scheduling for full-time employees so they can meet personal, family, educational, or community responsibilities.

The Booz Allen FlexWork Forum

Employees can also find support in the FlexWork Forum, which serves as an internal resource and support group for the growing number who take advantage of this benefit. The forum promotes and facilitates the appropriate growth, balance and use of FlexWork within Booz Allen and the industry.

In addition, the forum publishes a quarterly newsletter, organizes virtual brown bag meeting and focus groups, and hosts an annual charity fundraiser and auction.

"The flexible work option was definitely, without a doubt, a major impact on my decision to join Booz Allen Hamilton," said Jennifer Rezai, a Senior Consultant and scriptwriter who joined the firm in December of 2004.

"Flexible work is just a healthy option. It gives you the tools to manage your life and your time to make you even more successful. My son is the most important thing in my life and being able to balance my family and have a career has been so rewarding. My flex hours allow me to spend quality time with my son, which in turn gives me more energy to devote to my career."

Flexible work arrangements are just one way in which Booz Allen helps its employees achieve work-life balance.

story posted October 3, 2005