Flexibility what does it mean these days? In the past, employers often asked their workers to work flexible shifts, but today flexibility often means something different. Flexibility often refers to having the option of working at home, being mobile, or remote, working different scheduled hours etc. I have heard many employers be concerned about offering flexibility for the fear of lack of work to be completed.
In a recent study from Global works, it states “ Flexibility is the New Normal”. What doe this mean for you as the job seeker?
For the employees, it gives you autonomy over your job as you work the hours to meet your individual lifestyles, and work life balance.
Flexibility can offer more work hours to people who are night owls as they will be more productive during the nighttime. Flexibility can add to your workforce by including people who have mental health illness or physical or intellectual disabilities.
For employers, it means flexibility improves productivity and retention. Flexibility engages people to be accountable for their own work performances without being micromanaged with higher results of positive work performances.
Photo Credit: manpowergroup.co.uk
Steps to Introduce Flexibility in Your Workplace:
- Clarify with your employees what they want in flexibility
- Does it mean to work remotely?
- Does it mean to have the ability to walk away from their workstation for a few hours?
- Does it mean to work different hours to avoid rush hour traffic?
- Or something different?
- What equipment do Flex workers need if they choose to work remotely to communicate with their managers and team members
- Utilize instant messaging and conferencing calls to keep flex workers in the loop of internal communication.
- Update HR policies to promote flexibility by setting out expectations to avoid any misconceptions.
- Train Leader to manage flex workers on both technical issues, culture, teamwork and engagement.
- Be flexible about Flexibility to encourage more employees to be more engaged in their work performance
Reference: LinkedIn Talent Solutions, 2019 Global Talent Trends, “The 4 Trends Transforming your workplace”
Mary Whitaker, Career Consultant, Rite Careers has 17 years experience coaching individuals in their career transition to find a position that matches their career goals and personal work-life balance.
