Do you want to increase employees' job satisfaction and productivity in your organization? Yes? Then Implementing workplace flexibility will definitely help you.
For both employers and employees, a stellar work-life balance is essential. It's indeed desirable to step back from a conventional 9-to-5 workplace system in today's work environment. It's time to shift towards a new workplace model that enhances employee happiness and productivity.
The probability is, this isn't the first time you're hearing about the rising need for workplace flexibility. It's quite a buzzword, indeed. But it's tough to say what people mean when they talk about it.
Definition Of Workplace Flexibility
Career expert Alison Doyle describes workplace flexibility as a 'strategy of responding to changing circumstances and expectations, and one that both employers and employees can adopt.'
A flexible workplace fulfills the interests of both the employee and the employer.
There are several ways that employers and employees can incorporate workplace flexibility. Let's know how it works.
How Does Flexibility In The Workplace Look Like?
People today really value workplace flexibility and remote work because it allows them to focus their energies on work and life as opposed to commuting!- Aashana Pathak
Flexible employees
Flexible employees never say, "It is not my job." when they get a new assignment. Instead, they will adapt their approach to tasks based on organizational expectations and each situation's specific requirements.
Flexibility is a quality in most employers look for in employees. Irrespective of the nature of the position you are applying for, if you can show the interviewer how flexible you are to change direction, it will help your application.
Here are some examples of ways in which employees can display workplace flexibility.
Initiative to work extra hours during a rush at the end of the year or to meet a team deadline.
Learn new skills to increase productivity.
Being open to constructive criticism.
Offering to cover a colleague's duties when they're sick or on holiday.
Respond to emergencies pushing the work scheduled for the day aside.
Flexible employer
As reported by CNBC -
76% of millennial employees would be willing to take a pay cut for flexible working hours- Qualtrics and Accel Partners.
Read our blog on: Flexible Working Hours: 5 Ways It Boosts Productivity
We don't need much explanation of why employers need to incorporate more flexibility into their work culture.
Here are some arrangements that employers can make to initiate workplace flexibility.
Flextime- It allows employees to structure their workdays and weeks. It also includes when, where, and how long they work.
Employee preference- Employers should analyze the personality and tastes of employees.
Compressed workweek- Employees get a shorter workweek using this strategy but usually also work the same number of hours. For instance, instead of five eight-hour days, an employee could work four 10-hour days. It all adds up to a 40-hour week, but the extra day off offers some added flexibility.
Part-time opportunities- An employee fills a part-time position with this arrangement that does not require a full-length workweek.
Remote work or work-from-home opportunities- Employees can take this opportunity to work from anywhere in the world. It generates greater flexibility and improves work-life balance.
Also read this guide: Work From Home Policy: A Definitive Guide For Managers
Benefits Of Flexibility In The Workplace
It helps employees balance work and life, resulting in increased employee satisfaction and enhanced morale.
Employers also use workplace flexibility as a tactic for employee retention, engagement, and loyalty.
Flexibilities, like working from home, can also have a beneficial environmental effect by reducing long commutes. With a lesser need for office space, one can effectively practice cost-cutting.
Flexible employees are likely to do whatever is required to achieve the goal. Whether it means taking on additional roles, doing various assignments, or doing more at work, they are open to everything. Of course, they are much more productive than workers who can only perform one or two tasks. Getting employees who can move outside their job description suggests that employers do not have to find someone else to do more work.
Employees with flexible bosses love their workplace culture. It keeps them happy and satisfied. That, as a result, works in the employer branding strategy of the organization.
Listen to our podcast on: Everything you need to know about 'Employer Branding' with Devan Bhalla
Create a transparent flexible working policy to ensure that everyone is aware of the procedure and "rules of engagement." Make sure management are familiar with the policy. Encourage managers to be creative and strong problem solvers rather than being defensive.
Now, as we learn more about the benefits of flexibility in the workplace, let's know what flexibilities employees expect in 2023.
Workplace Flexibility That Employees Expect In 2023
Source: LinkedIn News India
1. Choose the right approach
When it comes to organizational flexibility, it's tempting to believe that it only applies to letting workers come and go as they please. However, flexibility does not inherently mean a complete absence of structure. As discussed above, flextime, compressed work time, and remote working need proper planning and structure.
There are several other approaches to flexible schedules of work. Employers should be able to select the one that best suits the organizational needs.
Dispel myths regarding flexibility. If required, alter the culture of your company to ensure that no one feels inferior for choosing to use the available flexibility alternatives. Transparency and setting an example among leaders are necessary for this shift to start at the top.
2. Understand your employees
Not all jobs are conducive to time or place flexibility. However, most have certain duties that are amenable to being done at alternate times and places other than the office. Still, it's important to go through the steps and see how you could offer more flexibility for all of your employees. - Scott Behsan.
If you are willing to learn how to be more flexible at work, you will need to go beyond knowing roles to consider what your team members want as people. Consider asking them how they want to get flexible at work. It is the only way to boost employee morale truly.
Dispel myths regarding flexibility. If required, alter the culture of your company to ensure that no one feels inferior for choosing to use the available flexibility alternatives. Transparency and setting an example among leaders are necessary for this shift to start at the top.
3. Encourage breaks
It is crucial to encourage and help your employees set aside their work, even for a short five-minute break. Or maybe you can extend the regular lunch break to allow team members to run errands or take care of personal needs. This is a successful compromise for workplaces where absolute flexibility is not viable.
Breaks can boost productivity. They also offer workers an opportunity to relax, refresh, and interact with their peers.
4. Reconsider Work-life balance
Employees nowadays are more serious about their work-life balance. They want to pursue their hobbies and interests, keeping aside their work pressure. This new year, recognize your employees' lives outside the workplace. Providing them with flexible work arrangements is the best way to show that you care as human beings, not just as employees.
5. Reduce gatherings/meetings
Be it for maintaining the Covid-19 protocol or just to reduce the time spent on the so-called mandatory meetings, reducing the same can help the employees use the time in some productive ways. Managers should determine which sessions should remain and which should pass, whether the meeting in question is urgent, and whether every invitee needs to be there.
Listen to our podcast on: Reinventing The Organisation For The Post COVID-19 Phase
In brief, here’s what you should do-
- Every team member should maintain a minimum distance from each other at all times.
- When your employees' hours are flexible, so should your meeting places. With the appropriate technology, make it simple to reserve meeting rooms. As a result, your flexible workforce will not hold meetings at the same time or on the same day every week. Your internal teams will meet when there is a need - planned or unplanned.
- Plan lunch breaks into time frames to discourage gatherings.
- Function in shifts, with a 1-hour break between shifts.
- Promote the use of staircases. Adhere to the social distancing requirements in the case of using lifts.
- ‘Non-essential' visitors to offices should not be permitted.
- Arrange transportation for public transport-dependent employees.
- Offer masks to all workers.
- Maintain a sufficient number of hand sanitizers.
- Encourage your employees to work from home if they are showing any signs or symptoms of Covid-19.
This article is written by Susmita Sarma, a podcast host and content creator at Vantage Circle. She was involved with media relations before shifting her interest in research and creative writing. Apart from being a classical music buff, she keeps a keen interest in anchoring and cooking. For any related queries, contact editor@vantagecircle.com
FAQs
What do employees look for in a company 2023? ›
Heading into 2023, most workers want the same thing from their employers: Clear communication, empathy and stability.
What does workplace flexibility look like to you? ›Flexibility in the workplace allows employers and employees to make arrangements about working conditions that suit them. This helps employees maintain a work / life balance and can help employers improve the productivity and efficiency of their business.
What is a great way to increase the flexibility of your employees best answer? ›- Start a discussion about flexible working. Figure out what kind of flexible arrangements your employees actually want and be realistic about what you can offer. ...
- Be clear in your business objectives. ...
- Encourage creativity. ...
- Reconfigure the office layout.
The shift toward skills-based hiring will accelerate in 2023 as skills emerge as the currency of the labor market. Flexibility is the ability to choose one's work schedule and it no longer means just working remotely. It can mean working four or even three days a week, while working longer hours each day.
What should companies focus on in 2023? ›In 2023, employers must prioritize transparency around how they collect, use and store employee data, as well as allow employees to opt out of practices they find objectionable. Start building an employee data bill of rights to support your employees' need for healthy boundaries in addition to overall well-being.
What do candidates want from employers 2023? ›Candidates in 2023 now expect a level of flexible, remote or hybrid working – especially if the job supports it. Over the past couple of years, many candidates I've spoken with often say the most attractive employers are those who empower colleagues to make decisions about when and where they work.
What are 5 examples of flexibility? ›- Bend and Twist. Stand with your arms crossed, hands on opposite shoulders, knees bent slightly, and feet shoulder width apart. ...
- Lower Leg Stretch. Stand facing a wall with your feet about shoulder width apart. ...
- Standing Hip Bend. ...
- Achilles Tendon Stretch. ...
- Sitting Stretch.
Here are a few examples of how you might demonstrate it: Offer to help out another team member if you notice that they are overloaded. Volunteer to cover a colleague's work while they're on leave. Consider allowing people to work from home to help them achieve a better work/life balance .
What is flexibility examples? ›Flexibility exercises are activities that improve the ability of a joint to maintain the movement necessary for carrying out daily tasks and physical activity. Examples of flexibility activities include: stretching. yoga.
What offers employee flexibility? ›Workplace flexibility embraces the idea that employees can be productive no matter when or where they perform their work. Rather than enforcing a rigid workplace environment or schedule, workplace flexibility acknowledges individual needs and supports better work-life balance and employee well-being.
What is the flexibility important at workplace? ›
Workplace flexibility has a major bearing on an employee's sense of well-being at work. Flexible scheduling, for example, reduces job-related stress by 20% and increases satisfaction by 62%. When workers feel satisfied and rewarded by their jobs, they're less likely to seek employment elsewhere.
How can I improve my flexibility and adaptability at work? ›Look for positive ways to make changes work rather than identifying why change will not work (say "yes" rather than "no" as a first instinct) Adapt to change and new ways of working quickly and easily. Make suggestions for increasing the effectiveness of changes.
What is the biggest trend for 2023? ›- Skirt Suits But Make it Fashion. Marine Serre Oriental Towels boxy tailored jacket. ...
- Everyday Preciousness. ...
- Extra Baggage. ...
- Perfectly Imperfect. ...
- Short n Sweet Jackets. ...
- Buttoned Up Shirting. ...
- Modern Boho. ...
- Blazers Become Cinched.
- Recognize your employees' contributions. ...
- Invest in employee development. ...
- Support social relationships in the workplace. ...
- Review your compensation plan. ...
- Provide hybrid and remote options. ...
- Improve work-life balance.
Since COVID-19 restrictions eased, many companies have been calling their employees back to the office. Some executives and leaders believe productivity increases when workers are in the office together, while others hope to increase in-person collaboration.
What is the diversity and inclusion trend in 2023? ›A growing diversity and inclusion trend in 2023 will be for companies to set transparent targets, goals, and D&I initiatives. Doing so will increase accountability of people in leadership positions, encourage honest conversations between employees and their bosses, and inspire them to share ideas and solutions.
What future employees want most? ›- Employees Want to Feel a Sense of Responsibility. ...
- Employees Want Work-Life Balance. ...
- Employees Want Recognition. ...
- Employees Want a Modern Workplace. ...
- Employees Want to Work from Home. ...
- Employees Want Perks and Benefits. ...
- Employees Want Opportunities for Growth.
- Communication skills. ...
- Time and Project management. ...
- Innovation. ...
- Intercultural sensitivity. ...
- Personal responsibility and initiative. ...
- Critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision making. ...
- Thriving in a virtual environment. ...
- Resilience and integrity.
You can improve flexibility with four different types of stretching exercises: static stretching, dynamic stretching, activated isolated stretching, and myofascial release.
What are the 4 basic of flexibility? ›There are four general methods used to develop flexibility: static, ballistic, PNF, and dynamic stretching.
What are the 6 common flexibility techniques? ›
- Ballistic Stretching.
- Dynamic Stretching.
- Active Stretching.
- Passive Stretching.
- Static Stretching.
- Isometric Stretching.
- PNF Stretching.
How to use flexibility in a sentence. Equal flexibility of the joint could certainly have been obtained with a smaller number of bones. She noticed the strong, thick fingers, devoid of flexibility, yet evidently of terrific strength. Sisal also lacks the flexibility of Manila, being much more stiff and harsh.
What is flexibility in one sentence? ›the trait of being easily persuaded. 1. The regulations do not permit much flexibility. 2. Employees expect flexibility in the workplace.
What is flexibility skills? ›Flexibility involves:
adapting successfully to changing situations & environments. Keeping calm in the face of difficulties. Planning ahead, but having alternative options in case things go wrong. Thinking quickly to respond to sudden changes in circumstances.
- "Always meets or exceeds project expectations"
- "Always maintains calm and composed manner under tense situations"
- "Knows the best ways to apply new and more effective methods to conduct business"
- "Always helps colleagues and team members to remain calm and focused on the main goals during project execution"
The best way to show you're flexible is to write varied accomplishments (i.e. which shows you dipped your feet in a lot of different things), and through listing different job titles (i.e. through a promotion, which shows you had varied leadership responsibilities too).
What are 3 reasons why flexibility is important? ›- Improve your performance in physical activities.
- Decrease your risk of injuries.
- Help your joints move through their full range of motion.
- Increase muscle blood flow.
- Enable your muscles to work most effectively.
- Improve your ability to do daily activities.
Better retention
Studies have shown that even the occasional use of flexible working arrangements significantly improves an employee's satisfaction with their workplace, making them more likely to remain with their current employer for longer.
- Increases engagement and productivity.
- Improves business continuity.
- Attracts and retains talent.
- Improves parking on campus.
- Enables effective utilization of space on campus.
- Reduces commute times and traffic congestion.
- Strengthens our commitment to sustainability.
There are 5 ways of adaptability : Ways of Interacting, Ways of Achieving, Ways of Learning, Ways of Working, and Ways of Thinking.
How flexible working can improve productivity? ›
Flexible work allows for better work-life balance
With more control over their time, they have a greater sense of freedom to complete work tasks and still take care of their own personal responsibilities. Employees who benefit from flexible working arrangements work more hours and get more done.
Example: "I showed flexibility in my accounting position when I had a team member leave suddenly. My manager asked me to take over my colleague's clients with only a few days' notice. I stayed late that week, prepping as much information as I could.
What is out of style 2023? ›The biggest style trends out of fashion for 2023 are mini pleated skirt with socks and chunky loafers, blazer with biker shorts, skinny jeans with chunky sneakers, mini pleated skirt with a crop top, leggings with high heels, ripped jeans with sneakers, dress with chunky sneakers, corset tops with cargo pants (wear ...
What is the color for 2023? ›The Pantone Color Institute named Viva Magenta as its official color of the year for 2023 for its joyous yet powerful nature. A red with subtle notes of purple, magenta flawlessly complements many different color palettes from those on the richer, jewel-tone side of the spectrum to even a lighter, earthy palette.
What are the trend predictions for fall 2023? ›- '80s Power Dressing. A look from Saint Laurent fall 2023. ...
- Main Character Energy. A look from Miu Miu fall 2023. ...
- Elevated Staples. A look from Prada fall 2023. ...
- The Art Collector. ...
- Calling All Extroverts! ...
- The Best of Barbarella. ...
- Grocery Run. ...
- Fine Feathered Friends.
- Enforcing return-to-office. ...
- Viewing performance as once-a-year event. ...
- Thinking communication solves everything. ...
- Forcing culture. ...
- Viewing growth through profit and loss lens. ...
- Setting unrealistic expectations. ...
- Homogeneity in workplace.
Give younger employees the opportunity to put their skills to use. Setting work goals and accomplishing them can bring pride and a sense of accomplishment, so by allowing them to do what they do best, you can encourage them to put in more effort and improve. Connection to the job and the company is crucial.
What is most important to job seekers in 2023? ›1. Pay. 38.9 percent of survey respondents selected pay as the most important factor when deciding to take a new job. With economic uncertainty expected to continue throughout 2023, employers will need to review their compensation strategies to ensure they are keeping pace with the competition.
What top 3 skills do you need to develop to enable your career growth in 2023? ›- Data analysis. Analytical thinking and innovation is the top skill forecasted in the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report [2]. ...
- Software development. ...
- User experience. ...
- Web development. ...
- Project management. ...
- Account management. ...
- Content creation and management.
There are three key employer characteristics a job seeker should look for in an employment relationship: reputation, career advancement and work balance. These often show up in employment surveys as being most important for candidates.