Workplace flexibility is frequently framed as a productivity strategy, yet its greatest strength is how it supports people.
Ulteig Chief Human Resources Officer Jim Horn and Civil Design Engineer Luc Violette recently spoke with Employee Benefit News about our people-centric culture and flexible work environment. The article highlights how supportive benefits and work flexibility can make space for extraordinary goals—like competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics, as Luc did—without putting a career on hold.
Rather than having to choose between his career and his athletic goals, Luc structured his work around training cycles and travel, while staying fully engaged with his team and responsibilities.
For Luc, flexibility wasn’t about doing less; it was about working differently. He explains, “I had the flexibility to work slightly odd hours throughout the week to make sure I get my hours in.”
While Luc’s example is unique, the lesson applies broadly.
When organizations focus on outcomes rather than rigid schedules, they create room for people to integrate work with the realities of their lives. That might mean supporting elite athletic pursuits, caregiving responsibilities, continued education or personal well‑being.
Horn says, “It’s all about, who are the most talented people that we can hire. Our job is to give them that glide path to do that.” He adds, “The return on investment is there.”
At Ulteig, we believe great work happens when people are empowered to manage their time, energy and responsibilities with clarity and accountability. As this story illustrates, flexibility isn’t about convenience or perks. It’s about designing workplaces that recognize ambition, complexity and potential, and enabling employees to bring their full selves to work.
