FLEXIBILITY IN THE WORKPLACE

A report released last week has recommended companies encourage a more flexible workplace. The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has suggested endorsing the right of all employees to request flexible working. As technology gives us greater freedoms and makes business communications easier, tech–savvy candidates have arguably never been in a better position to capitalise on remote working opportunities.
Derek Pilcher from executive careers site TheLadders.co.uk says ‘With the economic climate in such difficulty over the past 12 months, flexible workplaces have become more commonplace. While it changes the style of working for many companies, it can also be an effective way to build a stronger and more loyal workplace.’

Flexibility is used for many reasons, by both men and women, to allow for a variety of work related and personal reasons including; having uninterrupted time to complete tasks, to avoid long or uncomfortable commuting, to care for children or family, to pursue training or further education or to take part in sports or community activities.

Flexible work involves relaxing policies on the location (working from home or on the move) and time (part-time, job share and flexitime schemes) elements of a role. During the recession we have seen many companies offering reduced working days/hours and sabbaticals in order to cut costs and retain skilled staff – rather than having to employ and train new workers when the economy recovers.

If managed properly – flexible working arrangements can cut costs through higher staff retention, reduced absenteeism and overtime, boost productivity, motivate people, increase employee satisfaction and release more potential in staff.