KPMG’s San Diego office was recently honored with the 2012 Alfred P. Sloan Award for Excellence in Workplace Effectiveness and Flexibility for the Big Four firm office’s use of flexibility as an effective workplace strategy.

The 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. The honored companies pass through a rigorous, two-step selection process that evaluates the employers’ flexibility programs along with answers to a confidential employee survey.

"Our research consistently finds that employees in effective and flexible workplaces have greater engagement on the job and greater desire to stay with their organization. In addition, they report lower stress levels and better overall health," said Ellen Galinsky, president of Families and Work Institute, in a statement.

KPMG permits employees to arrange compressed work week or flexible workday schedules. The firm also has a well-utilized sabbatical program and provides extended leaves for personal time while still allowing for advancement opportunities.

"As a recipient of the 2012 Sloan Award, KPMG San Diego ranks in the top 20 percent of employers nationally in terms of its programs, policies and culture for creating an effective and flexible workplace," Galinsky stated. "In addition, what makes this honor so special is that their employees have corroborated this, affirming that it is indeed an effective and flexible workplace."

"Earning the Sloan Award for the San Diego office for the first time validates that our employees recognize and appreciate KPMG's commitment to being an employer of choice," said KPMG managing partner Dave Down in a statement. "KPMG is a leader in workplace flexibility and we're gratified to receive the Sloan Award in recognition of our efforts. We believe workplace flexibility is good for business and good for our employees."

When Work Works is an ongoing national initiative to educate the business community on the value of workplace flexibility though research, best practices, and the annual Sloan Awards. More information on the project and awards is available here.