{"id":5085,"date":"2017-09-13T08:05:50","date_gmt":"2017-09-13T15:05:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.knowledgecity.com\/blog\/?p=5085"},"modified":"2024-04-02T09:11:52","modified_gmt":"2024-04-02T16:11:52","slug":"workplace-flexibility-right-organization","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.knowledgecity.com\/blog\/workplace-flexibility-right-organization\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Workplace Flexibility Right for Your Organization?"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you haven\u2019t heard of the term \u201cworkplace flexibility\u201d, it\u2019s time to crawl out from under the HR rock you may have been resting under and embrace the new direction many companies are transitioning to.\u00a0 \u201cNormal\u201d work hours are no longer the typical 9-5.\u00a0 Workplace flexibility assists in keeping employees happy, engaged and interested in working for you<\/a> and your company.\u00a0 The ability for an employee to \u201cflex-time\u201d at work is no longer considered a \u201cperk\u201d but rather an expectation.<\/p>\n

Many companies ask the question, \u201cWhat does workplace flexibility even mean?\u201d\u00a0 Great question.\u00a0 Workplace flexibility<\/a> is where an organization shows faith in their employees and their ability to remain productive no matter their surroundings or time of day. \u00a0While that is a huge component of workplace flexibility, it also means it allows and accommodates employees to incorporate events that occur outside work and can be present or attend those outside events by coming into work earlier, working through lunch, leaving earlier, working from home, etc.\u00a0\u00a0 The ability for employees to have a flexible workplace or schedule has so many options and are not limited to where one physically works.<\/p>\n

What issues may arise with workplace flexibility? <\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"flexible<\/a>The number one issue that companies face with workplace flexibility is the fear they instill in themselves.\u00a0 Companies fear if employees are not at their desk, working a typical day, then they are unable to be productive doing work anywhere else.\u00a0 While there are always instances that employees may not have the best time management skills, studies have shown employees who have a flexible schedule are more productive because they feel as if their company trusts them and their work ethic to complete tasks without being micro-managed.<\/p>\n

Another potential issue that could arise is there are many outside distractions when one works from home or works more random hours than what is normally considered typical by the company.\u00a0 Again, communication is key when it comes to making certain that employees remain productive<\/a>, no matter what their work schedule or where they are working. \u00a0 Distractions come in two forms:\u00a0 Voluntary distractions (TV, radio, getting up to get a snack, etc.) and involuntary distractions (such as meetings at work, phone calls at work, co-workers interrupting your thoughts to ask a question).\u00a0 Both distractions limit and decrease one\u2019s productivity at work; however, voluntary distractions are actually something that one can internally stop from happening to ensure that productivity remains at an all-time high.<\/p>\n

So, how do you implement workplace flexibility?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

First, ensure it truly is something that your employees want.\u00a0 Smaller organizations may have employees that are not interested in that option while larger companies may have a ton of employees who are.\u00a0 Ask your employees.\u00a0 Get their feedback as to what they feel would better suit them and their needs for a work\/life balance.<\/p>\n

Next, announce a trial run within the company.\u00a0 Start small, if needed.\u00a0 Have employees implement a flexible \u201cwork day\u201d once or twice per week.\u00a0 Allow them to dip their toe into the world of flexibility to have a better grasp on managing their schedule.\u00a0 See if they truly like it and aren\u2019t having a \u201cgrass is greener\u201d mentality.\u00a0 Give them that opportunity.<\/p>\n

Finally, if the employees do prefer it, implement it.\u00a0 Don\u2019t wait, just implement.\u00a0 Trust in them.\u00a0 Show your employees you have faith in them and their ability to balance their private life and their work life.\u00a0 Embrace their wants and opinions, and structure your company to accommodate<\/a>.<\/p>\n