Offering Flexibility In The Workplace

Giving flexibility over where, when and the hours people work is increasingly in demand, however the number of quality, flexible jobs falls well short of that demand. There is an opportunity for employers to do more to provide flexibility for the benefit of all employees. In this article we look at the benefits of offering flexibility in the workplace and what you can include to attract and retain top talent.

Why Implement Flexible Working?

Flexible working can lead to direct and indirect business benefits.?The direct business benefits could include cost savings on office space, a better match between business resources and demand as well as improved competitiveness, such as being able to react to changing market conditions more effectively.

Indirect business benefits are achieved through improved employee job satisfaction and wellbeing.?Flexible working can also reduce absence rates and allows employees to manage disability and long-term health conditions, as well as supporting their mental health and stress.

Types of Flexible Working

1. Hybrid work
2. Remote work
3. Condensed work weeks
4. Flexi-time
5. Part-time working
6. Job sharing
7. Unlimited leave
8. Shift work
9. Compressed hours
10. 10.??Purchasing extra paid leave
11. Gradual increase or decrease in hours (for example, after parental leave, or as an employee transitions to retirement).
12. Time off in lieu

The global workforce is changing rapidly and demand for flexibility in the workplace is growing. Especially as remote work and hybrid work have become more viable and the importance of achieving a good work/life balance becomes a top requirement in a current or future role. For employers, the key is finding which of the flexible work arrangements will provide sufficient flexibility for their workers and how they can also impact positively on productivity or work quality.

MD Comment

Flexible working arrangements is now top of many candidate’s wish list when seeking a new role. Since Covid many people have had the opportunity to work remotely and found many upsides. Although forced by necessity to introduce remote or flexible working many businesses have found more upsides than downsides including in most circumstances improved productivity, increased team moral and motivation, better retention and in such a competitive hiring market access to a much wider pool of candidates. That’s not to say flexible working is not without its challenges, however in our experience most organisations are finding the benefits are compelling enough to continue with flexible working as a permanent feature of their culture and working practices.?