benefits of being flexible in work
Posted by in Jan, 2021
Flexible working conditions and their effects on employee health and wellbeing (Review) by Joyce K, Pabayo R, Critchley JA, Bambra C, is a welcome addition to the knowledge base of flexible working. The routine of working at home can undoubtedly allow individuals to workout on their own terms. Neil explains that for employees, the benefits of flexible working are often focused on improving their work-life balance, as well as looking after their health and wellbeing. Most importantly, flexible working arrangements are inexpensive to implement and offer a quick, measurable return on investment in the form of employee output. Benefits of … For starters, telecommuting (i.e. The Pros and Cons of a Flexible Work Schedule. Whether the flexible work schedule involves compressing work days, flexible daily hours, or telecommuting, challenges exist for the employer and the employee. This may help prevent the firm go bankrupt and protect jobs in the long term. Flexibility means employees can take a break when they need it without incurring the wrath of a manager. Flexible work can help reduce stress levels, increase productivity, boost morale, reduce lateness and absenteeism, reduce employee turnover and enhance the image of being family friendly. Improved competitiveness, such as being able to react to changing market conditions more effectively. Some work better in the morning and find that their concentration and motivation tends to become depleted by the afternoon, whereas other employees may work best from mid-morning to early evening. Giving up some control of work schedules gives increased employee morale, engagement, and commitment to the organization. Real People Discuss Five Health Benefits of Flexible Jobs: Increased Physical Health. Whole days working from home are not an option. Flexible working benefits employers because it fosters better customer service and customer loyalty. In a recent survey by FlexJobs and WorldatWork, a paltry 3 percent of companies were trying to assess the importance of flexible work as it related to the company. Reduced overhead Hiring independent professionals for specific projects or seasons results in lower fixed employment costs by eliminating the price tag on health care and other benefits that full-time traditional employees require. Flexible working arrangements bring many benefits to an employee’s life. What makes a person adaptable / flexible? We offer flexible work schedules, generous vacation, and holidays to spend with family or pursue your interests outside of work. Employees get an increased feeling of personal control over their schedule and work environment. googletag.pubads().enableSingleRequest(); How can I tell what employee benefits are available? As a result, more and more people are working flexibly. 3rd September 2019 6:00 am 9th September 2019 10:17 am. Employees save money by having a reduced consumption of commuting time and fuel costs. Find out more Each year up to £3.5bn of Pension Credit and Housing Benefit goes unclaimed by older people. Radioactive PR boosted work-life balance with four-day working week. 01454 292063 [email protected], Recruitment googletag.cmd.push(function() { Receive more HR related news and content with our monthly Enewsletter (Ebrief). From reducing absenteeism to boosting commitment and productivity among employees, it makes sure you are working regularly. the benefits to the people. 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One person's 8-hour day is finished by 2:00 p.m. and can meet the bus at 3:00 p.m., while the other start their workday at 9:30 a.m. Buying or selling annual leave. How Employees Can Readjust to Office Life, How to Optimize Productivity While Working From Home, Employee Work Schedules That Encourage Flexibility and Success, See the Advantages and Disadvantages of a Paid Time Off Policy (PTO), How to Implement a Long-Term Remote Work Plan, How to Negotiate to Remote Work From Home During COVID-19, How to Maintain Company Culture While Remote Working, Reasons Why Teleworking Should Be an Option for Employees, How to Find Work-From-Home Jobs That Are Hiring Now, Tips to Negotiate a Flexible Work Schedule, How to Improve Remote Team Collaboration and Workflow, allows employees to work flexible schedules, determine their own schedule and work environment. When staff members work from home, they are likely to be less tired and better rested, reducing the risks of fatigue, burnout and stress that can be the result of a toxic workplace culture. Different working hours and the extended use of technology might even mean your employer can offer extended hours, services or a greater range to clients or customers. There are benefits that flexible working brings that are less obvious than those mentioned above, but should still be taken into account when considering whether to introduce or extend your flexible working scheme. 7. With flexible work schedules, employers experience benefits as well. On top of keeping employees healthy, flexible work arrangements help keep employees happy. Depending on the flexible work schedule chosen, it may decrease external childcare hours and costs. Flexible work configurations allow employees to work when they accomplish most, feel freshest, and enjoy working. Being in control of how you manage your time also reduces the need to cram in work between strict office hours, which only increases stress. The first thing that comes to mind when talking about a flexible schedule is obviously telecommuting and being able to work from home every now and again. 5. }); Publication Employee Life and Family Challenges With Flexible Work Schedules? working from home) can save time and money in commuting costs, and also allows employees to meet the demands of their busy lives. The study tends to confirm judgements that many people have been making for some time about the benefits of flexible working. Care for your family We give you time away to focus on the people who matter most with leave for new parents and family caregiver leave. Adrian Wakeling, senior policy adviser, looks at the key messages for employers. Family and friends can become upset when you say you can't watch their child, or let the repairman into their houses—because, after all, you're home all day. If I have a school play or a parent’s consultation I can just go without feeling guilty and knowing I can make up the hours. Such training allows for easier and deeper movements … One that many workers point to first is the flexibility to meet family needs, personal obligations, and life responsibilities conveniently. Those who have other responsibilities or out-of-work interests may see flexible working as an absolute must or a deal-breaker for any organization they work for. The environmental benefits of a flexible workplace include 1. a reduction in gasoline usage, carbon emissions, and air pollution. No clear delineation between work and home exists with a flexible schedule. XpertHR survey. Flexible benefits schemes can help to boost employee recruitment and retention by increasing the range of benefits available to employees. It helps employers stay active longer in the work day. Employees who can also organise their work around their personal lives, interests and working … Five benefits of work-life balance ... whether it’s to cover moving expenses or gain flexible working hours. For example, firms can get rid of surplus workers. Improved diversity. Another popular flexible working arrangement is “Remote Working” or “Working from Home”. Our research into work benefits for top performers showed that flexible working hours were being offered to 42% of employees and 29% were offered remote working. This means taking off the rose-tinted spectacles and thinking about what some of the disadvantages may be and how they may affect you. If you have a great flexible work pattern, you are less likely to give this up. googletag.defineSlot('/21798641100/ArticleAd', [300, 250], 'div-gpt-ad-1553701159481-0').addService(googletag.pubads()); But it's important for employers to recognise the business benefits of flexible work arrangements too. Flexible work environments are wholly enabled by a digital workplace – video conferencing and digital collaboration – and it’s a good thing for employee engagement. Flexitime reduces the costs to your business associated with employee absenteeism, tardiness and sick leave. 5 Benefits of Flexible Working #1. Using remote worker options, the business can hire workers from areas where hourly wages are lower and reduce their compensation overhead. Built-in flexibility also reduces employee burnout due to overload. Employees have more freedom to work in an environment that is conducive to increasing their output and work rate, while employers can benefit from a happier and harder working workforce. Also, in team-oriented departments, teams still need to meet, which requires set guidelines and the juggling of schedules. Being able to work flexibly may, at first glance, appear to be the answer to the work/life balance conundrum with no apparent downsides. googletag.enableServices(); Advantages for employers and employees exist when the employer allows employees to work flexible schedules. You might be amazed at how much faster a commute can be if you can drive to the office at 10 a.m. instead of at 8 a.m. during rush hour. googletag.pubads().enableSingleRequest(); Flexible working: benefits for employees The main benefit of working flexibly for your employees is that it gives them the chance to fit other commitments and activities around work … Flexible people are highly prized by managers and businesses. For more information on how to strategically implement Flexible Working Practices to benefit your business, please click here to download our free Whitepaper. There are hidden benefits and drawbacks to flexible working arrangements, new research from employment adviser Acas finds. The option also reduces employee turnover, absenteeism, and tardiness by allowing workers to flex hours around home and family obligations. But did you know that by introducing flexible working to your business you can also enjoy a number of business and financial benefits? 7. Of course, with the commute to a home workspace, employees avoid the traffic and the stresses of commuting during rush hours. Flexibility improves alignment, … LID Publishing talks to author Bill Cohen about his latest book on Peter Drucker’s consulting principles. googletag.cmd.push(function() { Suddenly, incontrovertible benefits of flexible working – better productivity, engagement and wellbeing – were no longer sacrosanct. Of course, people matter, just as much as the company culture and processes do. And this alone is one of the greatest gifts anyone can give to their business. For example, the law only permits employees to request flexible working formally after being employed for 26 weeks. Here at DB Charles, we think more work needs to be done to improve the understanding of how flexible working can benefit an organisation. In some areas, commutes of more than an hour each way are not uncommon. As a result, a flexible workforce ensures cost effectiveness and more flexible employment opportunities, matching the needs of both employers and employees. If these employees are allowed to work from home, that saves two hours of time, gas, and wear and tear on the road. Flexible working isn’t just good for employees, it is good for business. By allowing employees to determine their own schedule and work environment, you appeal to the entrepreneurial spirit—which can be good for your employees. What will influence future employee benefits? It helps workers achieve greater work-life balance, leading to increased employee satisfaction and improved morale. var googletag = googletag || {}; Giving up some control of work schedules gives increased employee morale, engagement, and commitment to the organization. The result is two full-time jobs and incomes with no childcare costs. Flexible working: benefits for employees The main benefit of working flexibly for your employees is that it gives them the chance to fit other commitments and activities around work … Flexible working arrangements can boost employee well being by reducing stress and strengthen loyalty. A recent study carried out by Investors in People revealed that 31% of employees polled would rather avail of flexible working arrangements, such as working from home, rather than take a pay rise. Any change of approach to flexible working (in the short or long term) may require a review of policy. Firms will be more efficient and competitive. Where the policy follows the statutory procedures only, the full benefits of flexible working may not be realised. ACAS will be developing a Code of Practice on flexible working to support the new law. I have known a lot of people who, though technically working part-time, in reality work far more hours in order to be ‘flexible… Benefit of Being Organized #11: Promotes Charity, Giving, & Help Others. In many workplace settings, it is hard to distinguish idle chit-chat from meaningful dialogue. This might mean having shift starting or ending times that are flexible, offering telecommuting as an option, or being able to take time off during the day to handle personal matters. However, if a couple both have flexible schedules, one party can go into the office at 6:00 a.m. and the other can get the kids ready for school. 19. If an employee requires structure, they may find it difficult to focus on work and not the household chores and entertainment. However, care must be taken that the drive to lower wages does not harm the quality product of the service you provide. The business benefit from offering flexible working is that it may assist employee retention efforts. The flow of projects and work may increase as employees are able to work when they accomplish most, feel freshest, and enjoy working. Download the Salary Guide now. You need to make clear to employees that for all but a handful of jobs, working from home still requires childcare because you can't work effectively while also entertaining a toddler. Other types of flexible working include Job sharing, part time, annualised hours and staggered hours. var googletag = googletag || {}; The option also reduces employee turnover, absenteeism, and tardiness by allowing workers to flex hours around home and family obligations. Collaboration in the workplace may mean the added benefit of a more flexible work schedule, as members are generally trained to cover for each other’s skills and strengths. Some managers, who are used to seeing when their staff members come to work, watching what staff do all day at work, and knowing when people leave for home, have trouble adjusting to the new management style which requires trusting relationships. In some businesses, this allows the company to expand its area of service to other time zones or even globally. Top 10 Benefits of Flexible Work Policies for Companies. Employing a flexible workforce model yields objective, up-front benefits that can be easily tracked to help measure the progress and health of an organization. Benefits from flex working are valuable for retaining staff. The benefits of having more time with one’s family are endless. }); Recruiting the recruiter Adaptability and flexibility, recruiters may look for someone who can show: flexibility! Employee ’ s family are endless to improve wellbeing for example, the law only permits employees play... 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