Flexibility in the workplace is rapidly becoming the norm. It is becoming increasingly popular as both employees and employers realise the benefits of a greater work/life balance.
With today’s technology, there are no longer barriers to allowing flexibility in the workplace. It allows employers and employees to make working arrangements that suit the individual and the team.
Some employers are still wary of offering flexible work arrangements with the outdated view the they only benefit the employee. However, it is about working together to make changes to working schedules and environments that meet both individual needs and the needs of the business. Even the Australian Government is making changes to encourage flexible work arrangements.
Flexible work arrangements can be made in numerous ways. Many businesses are creating a hybrid approach to flexible working arrangements, creating small elements of flexibility where they can. This helps employees create a more balanced life and can help employers by increasing productivity, reducing costs and improving business culture.
What is flexible work?
Most people think flexible working arrangements means working from home and we have all become more accustomed to this idea in the last few years. However, flexible working arrangement don’t just mean working from the comfort of your own home.
Flexible work could mean location of work, but also the hours worked or patterns of work. For example, you may have staff working from home a few days a week or full-time. You may have staff that work better later in the day and therefore shift their working hours to suit, you may have staff working from different offices or other locations, or staff that job-share. Even part-time work is considered having a flexible working arrangement.
Benefits of Flexible Work
Work/Life Balance
The most prominent benefit to flexible working arrangements is that it promotes a better work/life balance. As such, employee’s wellbeing and satisfaction is much higher. Employees managing their own schedules and having more control over their work creates more job satisfaction.
Employee burnout is on the rise and the cure may be more flexible work for many employees. Allowing employees to take control and adjust their work hours or location can reduce employee stress, improving mental wellbeing.
Business Culture
A business that provides for flexible work is seen as one that cares about their employees. Morale is given a boost and employee engagement increases. Taking the needs of individuals into consideration creates a positive culture.
Workplace flexibility also promotes inclusivity and diversity. Flexible work accommodates a more varied set of employees, attracting diverse talent and reducing bias. Those that may not have had access to the workforce are now able to contribute to business, bringing a new set of skills and experience with them.
Productivity
Many business owners found this a surprising benefit when offering flexible work. Instead of employees being idle when not being in view of managers and colleagues, they become more productive. When employees can have control over their own schedules, they tend to focus on their tasks and productivity increases. Employees can take advantage of location flexibility by finding the best place to work from. Somewhere comfortable and convenient for them. They can also manage their schedules to work on the more challenging tasks at their most productive times of the day or week. Flexible work may also cut down on time, money and energy spent commuting.
The more relaxed and flexible environment creates space for innovation and creativity. It also allows employees to find out how they work best.
Employee Acquisition and Retention
It is no secret that more and more employees are preferring to work for businesses that offer flexible work. If your business already has arrangements in place, it will make you more desirable to top quality candidates.
Employees are also much happier and more loyal in businesses with flexible working arrangements. Employee retention rates have increased dramatically in businesses that allow for flexibility. It also allows for further development of your employees as they have flexibility for further education, contributing to their career growth.
Cost Reduction
With more employees working from home, there may be a reduction in costs. The largest being the ability to potentially downgrade office space. If you do not downgrade, there are other overhead costs that will be reduced, such as equipment costs and energy costs.
Tips for Flexible Work
Be inclusive
While flexible work may be about each individual and how they work best, include the team in the decision-making process. Encourage your team to share ideas and give feedback. Think about the impact to the team as well as the individual.
Challenge your Bias
What do you really think about flexible work? Do you worry that if your team are not right outside your office that they won’t be working? Are you concerned about reduced productivity/ commitment/ loyalty?
Challenge what you believe is the ‘ideal employee’ or the ‘idea work environment’. In most cases your biases have been disproven. If you find yourself opposing flexible work arrangements, think about why. Is it simply because this is the way it has always been done?
Be Creative
There are so many ways to embrace flexibility and autonomy. You do not need to have a fully remote team. By being creative, you can come up with innovative ideas for flexible work. With tools in place to allow for choice, there are more ways than ever to be flexible.
Tools and Equipment
Ensure your employees have the right tools and equipment to complete their tasks. Your employees will need computers, software and other resources. Many of this you will already have available, but you will need to make it available at different locations or for different working hours.
Set your expectations
Communication is key to flexible work. Everyone needs to be on the same page. Ensure that deadlines and tasks are communicated clearly and effectively. Embrace feedback and encourage adjustments as you get used to the more flexible arrangements.
Be flexible
The key to flexible working arrangements is being flexible. Assess flexible working arrangements based on individual needs. Be open and adaptable to new ideas. Take individual circumstances into consideration and if problems arise, be open to adjustments.
Flexible working is not going anywhere. Employees are seeking flexible workplaces and enjoying the benefits of better work/life balance. Employers may need to work on their mindset around flexible work, but they will find that there are many benefits to offering flexible arrangements. Adapt to the ever evolving trends of workplace flexibility and you will find your business and your people flourish.
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