The Benefits of Flexible Working
The modern workplace has changed; our ways of working now reflect international time zones and revolve around our personal lives in ways that they never did before, all due to clever technological advancements.
A far cry from working just a couple of decades ago, many organisations now offer their staff equipment which allows them to work any time from almost any location – the train, in bed, a roadside café, a foreign country – under the premise of flexible working. It’s quite amazing.
There are plenty of business advantages for flexible working. If it’s not something your company currently offers, then the points below might convince you to at least consider it.
Work/life balance = enhanced productivity
The biggest advantage of flexible working is that it can promote a good work/life balance for employees. Rather than being tied to a desk for hours on end, work can now be efficiently undertaken from the employee’s own home. This allows them to get home on time, interact with family or friends and work when it better suits them, be it a Sunday morning or Thursday night.
Allowing staff to work from home, even occasionally, will inevitably make them feel engaged and motivated. As we all know, motivated staff are productive and less likely to leave, knowing they are onto a good thing. It also serves as a really strong attraction tool when recruiting for talent.
Technology makes it easy
A remote desktop connection allows employees around the world, let alone the nation to work together as they would in an office; sharing files, sending and receiving communications via email or instant messenger, or attending meetings via web cam.
It makes financial sense
Improvements to work/life balance could result in reduced absence. Travelling expenses could be substantially minimised. Engaged staff are likely to be more productive, getting more work down, making the company ultimately more profitable. It also saves on the costs associated with running an office.
Good reputational PR
No doubt you have your employees’ best interests at heart? Well, allowing them to work flexibly is demonstration of that fact - that you value your people and want to keep them healthy. Plus it could position you as an employer of choice and enhance your reputation externally.
There are myriad benefits to introducing flexible working, for the business and the workforce. Why not give it some thought?
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