Working where and when you want? Possible @SAP Netherlands! And actually a competitive edge.

The flexibilization of work is a topic that provokes discussions. Some claim that it is to the mutual benefit of employees and companies. Others claim that flexible work facilitates abuse of working hours. The lines between the different camps are blurry. You find employees and management in both camps, arguing passionately for- or against- flexible work. Alike many topics, there is no right or wrong, but a large grey area on how flexible work arrangements are defined and when they are best used. In this blog I want to explain why pushing the boundaries of flexible work in your company will turn into a competitive advantage.

The talent market is highly competitive

The talent market becomes more competitive every day as the demand for highly skilled workers is on the rise. Companies in the ICT sector are competing hard for the best talents. And the issue will become more serious. Companies that traditionally were not part of the ICT sector are joining the competition for ICT Talents. Every company that wants to stay relevant must embark on a digital transformation. In the Netherlands only, we have more than 13.400 unfilled ICT Positions (1). In this heated talent market, employees can pick and choose for what employer they want to work.

Flexibility attracts talents

Companies make up their mind how they can attract the best talents. This goes way beyond a pure salary discussion. 65% of companies say that flexibility is a key differentiator to attract talents (2). The equation is simple: If you have the choice between two comparable employers that offer you the same salary, you surely choose the one that offers you the option to arrange your working times yourselves. Offering flexible work arrangement thus becomes a selling point to ensure one can fill critical open positions with the right talents.

Flexible work arrangements increase employee engagement

Offering flexible work positively influences the employees in the workforce. Studies reveal that offering employees the flexibility to arrange their working schedule as they need it, improves the Employee Engagement by +55% (3). Ultimately, employee engagement is the driver of productivity and employee retention. Ultimately, flexible work arrangements not only support attracting new talents, but also motivates the existing workforce.

Flexibility allows you to meet the diverse needs of a diverse workforce

The workforce of today is diverse. Just naming one of the many diversity attributes: Today’s companies and teams do consist of up to 5 generations. Taking into consideration the competition for talent, one cannot afford to neglect a group of people in the labor market. Every skilled worker is in high demand, regardless the what age, origin, gender, culture, sexual identity, religion, handicap or other diversity attribute. At the same time, the diverse workforce has diverse needs. To meet them, the compensation and benefit policies of a company must be flexible. Flexible work arrangements are a logical step to attract, retain and motivate all employees of a diverse workforce.

Did you know? @SAP Netherlands all employees are eligible for flexible work

SAP Netherlands recognizes that diversity, not only regarding our employees but also their working schedules and life-phases, is an essential component of a healthy and productive working environment. With flexible work, SAP Netherlands offers the opportunity for our employees to manage their work and lives more effectively. It is about redefining our workplace to focus more on productivity and less on traditional measure, such as physical presence in the office, to remain competitive in this new marketplace. At SAP the Netherlands we provide employees upmost freedom looking at where and when work is performed. To us, this is a competitive advantage.

Have you asked your manager already about flexible work arrangements?

References

1. De arbeidsmarkt in cijfers 2017, CBS
2. https://edexec.co.uk/embracing-flexible-working-practices-the-why-and-the-how/
3. ?Business Impacts of Flexibility: An Imperative for Expansion, Corporate Voices