The Problem: The Case of the Shrinking Work Hours

As a company which employs scientists and lab techs, you know that your most valued asset is the creativity of your employees. You also know that creativity doesn’t always show up between the designated hours of 8 and 5. Thus, you have a very open flex time schedule for your employees. However, you have been noticing that some of your staff are abusing the privilege. The 45 people involved in the manufacturing group are not a problem as they work designated shifts and are responsible. However, some of the 30 Ph.D. qualified scientists and 60 college educated lab techs are coming in late, leaving early, and not being fully present for their designated 40 hours a week.

As you explore the situation, you discover that five of the scientists are part of the problem. Two of them are your most productive scientists and responsible for some of your major product breakthroughs. Three of the scientists are performing adequately but are not exceptionally productive. About 10% of the tech staff are also playing fast and loose with their hours. Again, three are very productive, exceeding expectations as far as their work while the other six are adequate to below-adequate performers.

Be Intelligent: Identify the Issue and the Values in TensionIssue

In one sentence, identify the issue for this problem.