Going With the Flow.

Our members are in the construction industry, and some months back I realized that it was difficult to reach people on Fridays, especially in the afternoon. By asking some questions, I found that many offices either close early on Friday or are busy wrapping things up for the week.

As a result I changed our work schedule so that we work an extra hour Monday through Thursday, and then close the office at noon on Friday. With a staff of six, it's a little easier for us than for a large organization to make changes like this. But there is nothing else in the world I could have done to create such a positive impact.

Interestingly, everyone started making doctor's appointments and planning personal chores for Friday afternoon, improving their attendance at other times. Productivity has not suffered, and we've literally had no negative response from members. It's a powerful benefit: It costs nothing, it is tangible because we are in Atlanta with some of the worst commuter traffic in the country, and it makes people appreciate the flexibility of their job situation.

Submitted by Barbara Cook, executive director, National Ornamental and Miscellaneous Metals Association, Forest Park, Georgia (staff size: 6; operating budget: $950,000).