Many of us are far too familiar with the inflexible corporate environment, where the “work-life balance” is just a catchy phrase and not a meaningful reality.

According to a recent study done at the University of California at Berkeley, “women with MBAs are more likely to opt out of the workforce”. One of the main reasons stated for this was the fact that it is harder to arrange for flexible hours – “the infrastructure is not there in the business world” – said Elissa Ellis-Sangster, executive director of the Forte Foundation, which encourages female MBA candidacies.

But thankfully there is an emerging new generation of business leaders who are defying the status-quo and creating work flexibility programs not only to attract new talent but to retain the existing knowledgeable workforce.

These programs and ideas are being promoted via special events. The latest of those events, sponsored by prominent companies such as Deloitte, National Association of Women MBAs and others is being held at UC Irvine: The Merage School of Business on October 16th, 2008.

An experienced panel of experts is expected to present and discuss flexibility programs and options, focusing on promoting an open dialog about flexibility in the workplace for the many professional mothers and fathers who struggle with work life balance and the employers competing for talent in today’s increasingly demanding work environment.

To learn more about the event please visit The Next Generation of Work Flexibility website.