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.

One of the points that Mrs. Obama made remains all too evident: It is exceedingly difficult for members of working families to balance their demanding responsibilities as employees and as parents. This is especially true for women – and for hourly employees. Today there is a growing recognition of the value of flexible work options for both employees and employers. Many employers have formal policies in place for requesting a flexible work arrangement. But others do not – and this places the responsibility on you to propose a flexible work arrangement to your manager. How do you get your manager to say yes?

Here are some tips from a comprehensive study of flexible work options conducted by Corporate Voices in conjunction with WFD Consulting:

• Describe your proposed flexible work arrangement. Be as specific as possible.
• Consider your job performance objectives. How will your proposed flexible work arrangement change your ability to meet those objectives?
• Think about how you currently approach your job. Who do you communicate with and how often? What deadlines do you have?
• Document how you will accomplish your job responsibilities and objectives on your proposed flexible work arrangement.
• Consider potential challenges your flexible work arrangement might raise for your co-workers, manager(s) and customers/clients. What are some potential solutions to these challenges?
• Develop clear and measurable goals/or milestones for success.
• Describe any additional equipment/expenses that your proposed flexible work arrangement might require.
• Describe any short- or long-term costs savings for the organization that might result from your new flexible work schedule.
• When starting a conversation with your manager about a flexible work arrangement:
• Arrange a specific time to talk – rather than mentioning your interest in a flexible work arrangement in passing.
• Remember that this is flexibility! Remain flexible and be willing to make changes that meet business needs.
•  And when approaching your manager about a flexible work arrangement, always consider that this is a win-win situation – for you and for the organization.

Donna Klein is executive chair and president of Corporate Voices for Working Families, the leading national business membership organization representing the private sector on public and corporate policy issues involving working families. Corporate Voices currently is partnering with Working Mother Media to identify and recognize the best companies for hourly workers. Working Mother Best Companies for Hourly Workers, modeled after Working Mother 100 Best Companies, will put the national spotlight on the best companies for hourly workers and highlight best practices throughout the American business community. The List will be released in April 2010.