{"id":18428,"date":"2023-01-17T13:00:25","date_gmt":"2023-01-17T13:00:25","guid":{"rendered":"\/gb\/en\/blog\/?p=18428"},"modified":"2023-02-13T17:48:40","modified_gmt":"2023-02-13T17:48:40","slug":"flexible-working","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"\/gb\/en\/blog\/flexible-working\/","title":{"rendered":"What is flexible working and what essential tools do you need to get started?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Advancement in technology in today\u2019s modern age has brought along positive adjustments to several industries, including the employment sector. Today, employers, employees and the entire corporate entity can exchange files, communicate and collaborate on tasks without the additional pressure of commuting and dealing with other workplace disruptions. Without any doubt, flexible working arrangements are gradually becoming the new standard moving forward. <\/span>So, what is flexible working and what are the tools and terminologies you need to familiarise yourself with when venturing into a flexible working arrangement?<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What is flexible working?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Flexible working, commonly referred to as flexitime or flextime, is a non-conventional working arrangement that does not have the traditional constraints of a typical job. This new working arrangement considers the worker\u2019s personal needs and allows most individuals to find a healthy balance between personal and employment life. Typically, flexible working involves employees dividing their time between the office and other locations, typically working from home.<\/span><\/p>\n

Benefits of flexible working<\/b><\/h2>\n

A flexible working arrangement has plenty of benefits for both the employers and the employees. Both the employer and the employee can benefit from flexible working. Employees can obtain a healthier work-life balance, reduced absenteeism, and lower stress levels. It is handy for people who work a second job or working students with other major obligations. However, here are some of the top advantages of flexible working. <\/span><\/p>\n

1. Ease of management<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Less demanding management is one-way employers can benefit from flexible working arrangements. Managing employees working on a non-standard shift is easier because they only require managerial input when collaborating with their colleagues in projects or communicating concerns.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Reduced stress and burnout<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Stress and burnout are the leading causes of poor productivity in any workplace. Encouraging remote working and telecommuting<\/a> is one of the best ways to reduce stress and burnout, thus ensuring a more productive task force.<\/span><\/p>\n

Stress is harmful to your wellbeing, so working flexible hours or from home will help you reduce your stress levels by excluding your everyday routine from the equation. Controlling your time often eliminates the need to squeeze tasks between tight working hours, which adds to the pressure and stress.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Job satisfaction<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Job satisfaction for employees is the other benefit of flexible working arrangements. Like less stress and burnout, better job satisfaction can help <\/span>increase employee engagement and performance<\/a><\/strong>, thus ensuring high productivity.<\/span><\/p>\n

In addition to that, the ability to handle your own time will boost your morale and sense of accountability for the job and the business. As a result, you’ll have a greater sense of control over your work, making it more fulfilling and enjoyable.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Reduced costs<\/strong><\/h3>\n

For employers, flexible working arrangements allow for an increased employee headcount without a larger office space. That can save a company money by reducing the costs involved costs in renting office spaces, buying furniture, and other infrastructure required by in-office employees. Especially if a company is running out of office space, it would be reasonable to hire employees that work from home, whether full-time or part-time, to prevent spending money on larger spaces.<\/span><\/p>\n

Employees also need to use technology to engage in meetings<\/a>,<\/strong> presentations and collaborate on projects. With flexible working arrangements, all employees would need access to the internet, a business phone<\/a>,<\/strong> and a computer. In this case, working from home<\/a> <\/strong>would reduce electricity costs.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Enhances retention and attraction<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Companies allowing flexible hours for their employees will only help them maintain valuable staff since flexible work schedules are among the most sought-after benefits from their employers. A lot of organisations are still very hesitant when it comes to flexible working arrangements. However, employers who allow this method have a significant comparative advantage in the recruiting process and have access to a much larger pool of talent.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Since the young generation of employees has different aspirations than their seniors, the acceptance of flexible employment is expected to increase rather than decrease.<\/span><\/p>\n

Examples of<\/b> flexible working <\/b>arrangements<\/b>:<\/strong><\/h2>\n