Why an increasing number of employees are choosing flexibility over pay.

For those of us who have experienced the bliss of workplace flexibility, it’s hard to imagine life without it! Not having to brave the peak hour transit to start work at 9am, only to do it all again at 5 is a perk many employees are grateful for. Some organisations still see flexible working arrangements as nothing more than a futuristic fantasy and continue to cling to more traditional practices, while others entice both current and future employee’s workplace flexibility initiatives. Flexible working arrangements means something different to everyone, whether it be to work from home or have a flexible schedule. Once upon a time, flexibility was stereotyped as a requirement for women with young children, but this age-old assumption is a thing of the past.

Individuals seeking flexible working schedules come from all demographics and seek flexibility for a number of reasons:

• Office workers wanting to escape the crowded commute
• Mid-career employees with caring responsibilities (children or parents)
• Young people who are looking for a better work-life balance
• Individuals with disabilities or medical conditions
• Semi-retired individuals looking to reduce their work-related commitments

We haven’t always had the ability to imagine a workspace that exists beyond 9-5 and within the four walls of the concrete jungle. The limitations of technology once set a much firmer boundary between work and home; you simply couldn’t do your job if you weren’t at the office. But this is no longer the case. Technology has enabled organisations to embrace the opportunity to create an innovative and diverse workplace that allows employees the ability to perform their roles at a time and place that works for them.

This has unlocked an entirely new area of negotiation within the business world and more and more small businesses are attracting top talent by asking one simple question, “what is flexibility worth to you?”.

So how can flexible working arrangements benefit your organisation?

• Increased productivity in team members
• Creates a more inclusive working environment
• Attracts top talent
• Encourages trust between an employer and their employees, by providing them with independence
• The ability for organisations to save on direct costs such as electricity

What are the most important points an organisation should consider when evolving to meet the requirements of today’s flexible workforce?

• Ensure your organisation is equipped with the resources that allow remote employees to work at the speed of business
• Provide a foundation that enables effective collaboration amongst team members
• Establish a clear understanding around the outcomes and inputs of each employee
• Clearly communicate a strong performance plan and ensure there is evidence that employees are delivering on expectations

If you think workplace flexibility practices could be a workable solution for your business, contact us and make it a reality today!