The benefits of flexible working for you and your employees
All employees with 26 weeks’ service have the right to request a change to their hours, timing or location of work. An employer that rejects an employee’s request for flexible working must have at least one specified reason for doing so.
There are a number of benefits to flexible working, to both the employee and the employer:
Employee:
Work-life balance – This means you can see family & friends more often, you may find it easier with childcare. In a world where your health is becoming increasingly important it can have a really positive impact on how you feel.
Increased productivity – By being given the opportunity to work different/less hours or working from home, you will feel more in control and you’ll feel trusted. You’ll be able to start earlier which means you’ll finish earlier so you can meet friends, or pick the kids up from school. Or if you work from home you’ll be in the comfort of your own house & be in more control of your workload.
Less stress – Working flexibly means you’ll miss the rush hour, or skip commuting altogether. You won’t have to sit on a bus or a train & you’ll be in complete control of how you manage your time. Commuting is considered one of the most stressful parts of your day, by cutting this out imagine how much better you’d feel.
Job satisfaction – By being given the freedom to manage your own time, you will be more satisfied in your job. Working the same hours every day, in the same room, isn’t for everyone & it is understandable why this would de-motivate you. If you are given a choice it can only make your working day more enjoyable.
Employer:
Access to a wider talent bank – If you offer flexible working you’re opening yourself up to a wider talent bank. The majority of people don’t want to work the traditional 9-5, sitting at a desk all day, so why would they apply for a role that does just that? They wouldn’t. More and more people will not even consider a role if it doesn’t offer flexible working. This is something to think about when hiring as you are most likely missing out on some excellent professionals!
Reduced costs – If you don’t have everybody in the office at once, this means you won’t need everyone to have their own computer. Sharing desks means you’re cutting costs on space & equipment.
Increased productivity – This has been mentioned above for the employee but it is a positive for both employee and employer. When your employee feels trusted and in control they will be happier, which in turn means they’ll work harder, which will only benefit you.
Increased creativity – Creativity flows when people have passion, a clear mind and are happy. If you give an employee the chance to set their own goals, work at the times that suit them (whilst still working their agreed hours) and work in an environment that motivates them, then they will have more ideas, thoughts & suggestions. If they’re restricted to an office, working 9-5 looking at the same 4 walls, then they will become demotivated.
Staff retention – By allowing flexible working & including this as an active benefit of working for you (ie. Not just saying you allow flexible working but actually implementing this) then you will keep staff for longer. They will not leave because they are trusted, treated like equals/adults & have a benefit that everyone currently wants. In turn, by allowing flexible working you will attract top talent, they’ll choose you over a competitor because they can work hours that suit them, they can work from home, or a coffee house and you trust in your staff.
As you can see there are a number of benefits to flexible working, for both employee and employer.
If you would like to discuss this further, or if you’re looking for a new role or candidate, then contact me on 01452 429901 / alex@gbsolutions.co.uk
