Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon & Galchus, P.C. (CGWG) has been honored with the 2014 When Work Works Award. The award recognizes companies that incorporate flexibility as an effective workplace strategy to increase business and employee success.

This prestigious award, part of the national When Work Works project administered by the Families and Work Institute and the Society for Human Resource Management, recognizes employers of all sizes and types across the country. CGWG is one of only two Arkansas employers honored.

"Our line of work is stressful and demanding," says Rick Roderick, CGWG's managing director. "We feel it is essential to our continued success to enable our employees to balance their work with their personal lives through flexible work arrangements and scheduling."

CGWG's workplace flexibility has reaped rewards for both the organization and its employees. Satisfaction with flexible schedules translates into happier employees, a positive work environment and a competitive advantage when it comes to recruiting.

While not typical of a law firm's culture, alternative work arrangements are the norm at CGWG. There are no billable hour requirements at the firm and employees' hours are monitored for signs of excessive work or inconsistent schedules. CGWG allows employees to work modified schedules and telecommute when needed to accommodate their family lives.

"These employers are making work work in innovative and inspiring ways and set an example for employers both nationally and internationally," said Ellen Galinsky, president of Families and Work Institute.

"The When Work Works Award recognizes organizations that foster a culture of workplace flexibility and effectiveness, which gives them a competitive advantage. Their practices set them apart from other organizations," said Lisa Horn, director of SHRM's Workplace Flexibility Initiative.

For a list of winners check out this interactive map, which includes winning organizations by state.

The award is the result of a rigorous assessment. Worksites must first qualify in the top 20% of the country based on a nationally representative sample of employers. Two-thirds of the evaluation of applicants comes from an employee survey. Applicants are evaluated on six research-based ingredients of an effective workplace: opportunities for learning; a culture of trust; work-life fit; supervisor support for work success; autonomy; and satisfaction with earnings, benefits and opportunities for advancement - all factors associated with employee health, well-being and engagement.

When Work Works is a national project that shares research results on what makes an effective and flexible workplace with the business community. It is an ongoing initiative of the Families and Work Institute and the Society for Human Resource Management.

For more information about the When Work Works initiative and the When Work Works Award (formerly known as the Alfred P. Sloan Awards for Excellence in Workplace Effectiveness and Flexibility) visit www.whenworkworks.org

For more information, contact Rickie Smith at eat0@eau0eav0eaw0.

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