The most recent advancements in technology and social trends can be seen in various areas and industries, with the most notable ones being in the work setting.
Nowadays, company managers can employ various tactics and strategies to enhance employee engagement, motivation, and productivity, all of which can be beneficial both for their workers and their business. One particular strategy that is becoming the norm in almost every business establishment is the adoption of flexible working policies.
In general, flexible working can be defined as a type of working style that gives employees the freedom to choose when, where, and how they work. It differs from the traditional 9-to-5 in-office workday, offering plenty of benefits to both employees and businesses.
Read on to learn about the types and benefits of flexible working as well as the practices and tools businesses can use to make it successful in their work setting.
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Types of flexible working
Flexible work schedules are the most common example of workplace flexibility. It is an alternative to the traditional 40-hour work week which allows employees to create their own work schedules and find a work-life balance that best suits their needs.
In general, there are six different types of flexible working arrangements employees can choose from and these are:
- Hybrid work. This is a combination of in-office, remote, and on-the-go workers.
- Remote work. Allows employees to work from home full-time rather than going to the office.
- Flextime. Offers people the freedom to create their own flexible work schedule that works best for them.
- Job-sharing. When two or more people share a full-time job, including their responsibilities and tasks.
- Part-time. Refers to working fewer hours than the standard workweek of 40 hours.
- Four-day work week. This is a schedule that allows employees to improve their work-life balance.
The benefits of flexing working
In addition to boosting employee engagement, productivity and motivation, there are many other benefits flexible working offers both workers and businesses.
For example, improved employee well-being is one of the greatest advantages of adopting flexible working policies. Sometimes employees have a hard time juggling their job and personal life, leading to exhaustion, stress, and even the development of health problems, all of which can affect their overall work performance.
However, with the autonomy of creating their own work schedule, workers can become more productive, well-rested, and less stressed.
As for businesses, flexible working can help companies attract and retain top talent as well as improve the overall company culture by making the workplace a space where people would like to be.
Flexible working practices
Despite the multiple benefits flexible working offers employees and businesses, it is important that companies employ the best practices so that work performance and results aren’t affected in the long run. Some common and effective policies businesses can include in their flexible working model are setting clear expectations, prioritizing equity at work, not completely ditching structure, and implementing the best technology.
For example, even if your workers have the freedom to choose when, where, and how they work, make sure you still require them to complete their assignments and tasks at the end of the day. Setting such clear expectations to them will help them accomplish their goals, meet their deadlines, and maintain their performance.
Tools to make flexible working successful
In addition to employing various practices, there are also a few tech tools you can rely on to make flexible working more easier and successful. Some of the best ones include investing in desk booking software, using an employee sign-in system, and implementing room scheduling software.
For example, the desk booking software allows businesses to make the most of their office space by giving workers the freedom to reserve different types of workspaces onsite, as needed.
The employee sign-in system allows employees to check into their office location every time they come to the office which further allows company managers to keep track of who is onsite and when their workers arrive.
The room scheduling software helps employees find and book available rooms in the office to complete their tasks and assignments faster and without any distractions.
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Final thoughts
What once may have been considered a privilege, nowadays flexible working is becoming the norm in almost every business establishment. Although its main purpose is to give employees the freedom to create their own working schedule, the benefits that come along can be also good for the business’ work culture in general.
For more information, refer to our post and read about the importance of flexible working and how you can implement it in your workplace.
