Implementation and evaluation of a flexitime program involving pharmacy i.v. admixture technicians

The purpose of this article is to describe the implementation of a flexitime program involving i.v. admixture personnel and to evaluate its impact on three work-related behaviors. Flexitime, also known as flex-time, is an alternative to the standard work schedule. Flexitime programs have been shown to have a positive effect on productivity, overtime, turnover, tardiness, absenteeism, and job satisfaction in various work settings. The i.v. admixture technicians and interns chose a flexitime program called the variable day. During both the baseline and the flexitime period, three work-related behaviors were measured: absenteeism, tardiness, and satisfaction. Tardiness was almost eliminated during the flexitime program; absenteeism decreased from 4.61% during the baseline period to 2.66% during the flexitime program, although this difference was not statistically significant. General job satisfaction did not significantly change during the flexitime program. Overall, all of the technicians favored the flexitime program and suggested that it be expanded to include the unit dose technicians. If future investigations support the usefulness of flexitime programs, pharmacy managers should consider its implementation as an additional strategy for reducing departmental costs.