For a company to succeed, it must run well on all cyclinders and at all job levels. That’s never been more true than today, when in an economy still struggling to right itself, the only significant job growth on the horizon is expected to be found among low-wage jobs. No wonder, then, that experts say increasing the productivity and retention of entry-level and hourly workers will be vital to U.S. companies going forward.

The times have certainly changed. For the first time ever, there will be a 4-hour Flex Forum at the White House hosted by President and Mrs. Obama. The President and First Lady will discuss the importance of creating workplace practices that allow America’s working men and women to meet the demands of their jobs without sacrificing the needs of their families. The forum will be an opportunity for labor leaders, CEOs, small business owners, and policy experts to share their ideas and strategies for making the workplace more flexible for American workers and families.

Important points from Karol Rose, Chief Knowledge Officer, FlexPaths

The financial industry imploded.  That’s not news.  But the big banks and the companies left behind are in a moment of reinvention.  In the public arena, they have been cast as the bad guys.  But internally, they are still big employers, with workforces who need to keep money moving around the globe and around the clock.  

Working Mother Media recognizes the demand for knowledge by corporate leaders on how to make flex work in the business.  We officially launched the 2010 events season with the Flex Leadership Summit on Wednesday, January 27th. Held at Credit Suisse's NY headquarters on Madison Avenue, the one-day conference gathered senior corporate leaders from the US, UK, Singapore and Mexico to discuss how to successfully implement Flexible Work Arrangements and Informal Flex for millions of employees.

Commentary By Donna Klein is executive chair and president of Corporate Voices for Working Families,

When Michelle Obama attended the Corporate Voices for Working Families Annual Meeting in May, she talked about the importance of work-life programs to individuals and working families and to the competitiveness of American businesses.