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REMARKS BY:	DONNA E. SHALALA, SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
PLACE:		Family Friendly Work Practices, Washington, D.C.
DATE:		May 23, 2000

Let me start by saying that in Kevin Thurm we have a Deputy Secretary who believes in his heart that this organization is a much better place, . . . and the nation is saner, smarter, and more productive when we strike a balance between family needs and the demands of the workplace.

As the father of three young sons, family life is the bottom line of Kevin's career. He understands what juggling work and home is all about. And in the seven years that I have worked with him, I can't think of anyone who has worked harder to promote a better quality of work life for every employee at HHS.

Thanks to the high-tech wonders of the 21st century, virtually the entire HHS family can attend this conference. Here in the auditorium. Or by viewing our Webcast. The fact is, our workplace is changing in ways that we never imagined.

Most of us grew up believing - or at least hoping - that we would live and work in a world of technological miracles. As youngsters, many of us saw this future at the 1964 World's Fair. I even remember that as a child, I imagined commuting back and forth to work and home in a Buck Rogers-style jetpack. Even ten years ago, how many of us could have imagined that the "Lovebug" would not just be a Disney movie - but a virus capable of attacking computer systems around the world.

A lot has changed since then.

We've now seen Lovebug II - and more are sure to come. The point I'm making is this: technology is not good or bad. Technology exists so that we can use it to make our world a better place to live. That's what this Second Secretary's conference on Family Friendly Work Practices is all about. It's about making sure that employees have enough flexibility in the workplace to be productive. It's about redefining the meaning of the workplace and the workday. Ultimately, it's about the way we live.

As employees of the Department of Health and Human Services, I believe we have a special obligation to lead by example. That means making sure that our work life here at HHS is as healthy, balanced, and productive as possible.

In 1996, I asked the Heads of our Operating and Staff Divisions and our HHS Union-Management Partnership Council to help me improve the quality of work life for all HHS employees. That's exactly what we've done. And that's why we're here today.

Change begins by creating a work environment at HHS that recognizes the importance of creating greater flexibility for every employee, but also holding ourselves accountable for the job we do.

For example, as Secretary, I believe one of the most important parts of my job is to make sure that each and every employee of HHS feels a sense of empowerment. That means employee morale is important at HHS. Not only because it's good for our employees, but because ultimately it leads to better health and higher quality services for the American people. In short, employee satisfaction in the workplace is our strength - and the public's assurance that they are getting the very best we have to offer.

We're making great strides toward improving the quality of work life at HHS. One of our greatest strides is occurring right now in the FDA. The "Any 80" flex-time program allows employees to completely custom-tailor their work hours. This work option has been enormously successful in helping FDA employees achieve the maximum balance between work and home.

Our employee survey results during the last several years show steady improvement in how HHS employees feel about this Department and their work. Most employees say they are able to balance work and family life through flexible scheduling and leave options. Most believe they have the authority they need to do their jobs.

We've eliminated sign-in sheets. We've provided Internet access to all employees. And we've established the Quality of Work Life site on the HHS home page. All this is tangible proof that our efforts are paying off.

But we know that we must do more.

That's why this conference is important - because it's helping us to identify and focus on what's working so that we can achieve even more success. We've designated May as Quality of Work Life Month. In addition to this conference, the OPDIV's are also sponsoring activities to celebrate the improvements we've made in the work life of our employees.

ASMB will work in partnership with the OPDIVS to develop new cost-effective strategies, techniques, and learning opportunities so that all employees can do the best job possible. The HHS Union-Management Partnership Council will continue to monitor, support, and help implement the full array of family-friendly programs, including alternative work schedules and telecommuting.

In closing, I'd like to invite and challenge each of you to use this conference as an opportunity to communicate your problems and obstacles in balancing work and home. Let us know your best ideas for creating a more family friendly environment at HHS. And, most important, attend the sessions as fully empowered participants - knowing that each of us has something important to contribute in making our workplace thrive.

Thank you.