Washington, May 4 (ANI): Prior research studies have shown employees participating in work-family programs are at risk of fewer promotions and lower wages than those who do not.
But, a new study has revealed that creating a respected reputation as soon as possible upon entering a firm could help employees gain the intended benefits of the programs - such as flexible schedules with prorated pay - without harming their careers.
Forrest Briscoe, assistant professor of management, Penn State Smeal College of Business, and Katherine Kellogg, associate professor of organization studies, MIT, called their solution the 'initial assignment effect'.
After studying the personnel records of nearly 1000 associates employed by a large law firm, Briscoe and Kellogg found that employees who were assigned to powerful supervisors upon entry into the firm had a better experience when, usually much later, they participated in a work-family program.
"By the time they enrolled in the reduced-hours program, employees who had been initially assigned to powerful supervisors had gained access to a greater range of reputation-building work opportunities than other employees," said the researchers.
They noted that the average time span between entering the firm and participating in the program is four years.
Program users who experienced the initial assignment effect were more likely to receive positive performance evaluations and fared better in their careers than those who did not.
On the other hand, simply by using the program, employees become part of a traditionally disadvantaged group-mothers and male primary caregivers-that may invite supervisors to question their commitment, abilities and marketability.
The study appears in the current issue of American Sociological Review. (ANI)
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