Let us get some facts straight- 71% of companies have said that offering flexibility allows their team to be more innovative, compared to 57% of companies that do not.
Flexible work is not just a Gen Z thing; 75% of Gen X prefer remote or flexible work. Thus, the benefits of flexible working are there for both employers and employees.
If you have been struggling to hire top talent, we suggest you add “flexible working” as one of the perks to your job description. A study by Gitnux has shown that 75% of employees consider flexible work as a top benefit, and they can even take a pay cut for the same.
The DNA of Workplace Flexibility
Flexibility enables an employee to work from anywhere, apart from a traditional office setup, whether at home, in a cafe, or even in the wilderness. Workplace flexibility also gives worker better control over their schedule; they often do not work 9-to-5 jobs.
Types of Flexible Working Options
Now, flexibility comes in many shapes and sizes, making it so appealing to employees. Today’s workers do not like the rigidity of traditional jobs, and the many benefits of flexible working endear them to this concept.
Here are the different types of flexible work options:
- Hybrid: This is one of the most popular flexible work schedule jobs- where employees can divide their time between working remotely and on-site.
- Compressed: Most countries globally have 40 hours of work week, but in a compressed working style, workers can choose to do the work in 4 days instead of 5 days.
- Flexible time: In some organisations, employees are given complete freedom over their work schedule. They do not have to work between 9 to 5; they can choose to finish their 8-hour shift as they want.
- Remote: It is one of the favourite flexible working options, where workers can work virtually from anywhere in the world. They do not have to visit a traditional office space.
Now that we have understood the different types of flexible working options, let us look at the impact of flexible working on employers and employees alike.
Benefits of Flexible Working For Employees
In a recent survey, 63% of employees chose flexible work as the top consideration for taking up a job offer over salary issues and work-life boundaries.
Now, you can understand that there must be several advantages to a flexible attendance policy for employees. Let us look into them:
Work-life Balance
Burn-out, stress, and anxiety have become very common among modern workers, and this can be managed to a great extent by providing workers with flexible or remote work options.
By opting for work-from-home, an employee can meet their project deadline while also tending to any personal commitments, like a doctor’s appointment.
Employee Satisfaction
A satisfied worker is a more productive worker. Think, if you had to travel 2 hours in peak Dubai traffic and then sit through work only to make that same journey back, would you be happy or frustrated? Most, probably the latter. This will impact your ability to deliver at work.
But if you could simply stay at home, the 4 hours spent on your commute could be better utilised to manage your work commitment.
Focus on Upskilling
Professional development is one of the top benefits of flexible working for employees. A worker can opt for online or offline classes for professional courses while working. This can be a win-win situation for both the employer and the employee.
Benefits of Flexible Working For Employers
But is flexible work schedule jobs only beneficial for employees? No, even employers can benefit from it!
Here is how a company can use flexible work to their advantage:
Engaged Employee
Employees are more engaged in organisations where they feel empowered and respected. This can be done by allowing them to decide on their work schedule.
Engaged employees are satisfied, more productive, and loyal towards the employer.
Attract Top Talents
A company can attract the best talents by offering them flexible work. You can also widen the search for your talent pool. A UAE-based company can attract professionals staying in India by offering remote work options.
Remote work also enables workplace diversity, allowing for increased productivity and a positive employer brand.
Reduce Employee Churn
80% of employees would opt to stay with a company that offers flexible work over one that doesn’t- this makes it one of the top benefits of flexible working. Did you know that 30% of staff left a job that didn’t offer flexible work?
An open position, hiring, and training new employees can cost a company an average of $4000. Yes, that’s a lot of money. And, then, you have the headache of finding the right person to fill that open position. Employee retention can be one of the biggest motivators for organisations to opt for flexible work.
Reduce Absenteeism
Employees can ask for leave- it’s their right, and it can be for a variety of reasons: a family wedding, a doctor’s appointment, a child’s PTA meeting, and more. But what if that collided with the day you had an important meeting?
By offering flexible work, your employees can do both, and this will reduce the number of missed days at work.
Increased Productivity
A happy and content employee is more productive, as they are more loyal towards their employer. This means they will put more effort into their work. There are also fewer distractions when employees work from home, making them more productive.
Cost-Effective
Flexible or remote work is operationally cost-effective. The company will not have to spend on a large office space, with less electricity bills and overhead charges.
Eco-friendly Option
100 employees commuting to the office can generate a significant amount of pollution, which can be saved if they just stay put at home. This is one of the greatest benefits of flexible working.
How 6 Pence Helps
We hope this article could shed some light on the many benefits of flexible working for employers and employees. So, if you are thinking of adding flexible work to your company policies but do not know how to hire a remote team, then don’t worry; we are here.
6 Pence is one of the leading staffing agencies in Bahrain, Dubai, Oman, and Iraq. We help businesses hire temporary, temp-to-permanent, and permanent staff as per their requirement.
Our experienced recruiters have access to an extensive candidate database, and they conduct thorough background verification, process work visas, and undertake payroll processing on behalf of our clients.
6 Pence also provides employers and their employees access to the HR e-service portal, allowing them to access any HR-related document at any time and anywhere. Connect with us to know more.
FAQs
1. Why is it good to be flexible at work?
Workplace flexibility gives people more control over their schedules, allowing them to balance their professional and personal lives better. This flexibility can alleviate the stress and time restrictions associated with commuting, resulting in better overall well-being.
2. How does flexible working motivate staff?
Flexible work gives workers better control over their work schedule. This independence gives them a better work-life balance, allowing them to arrange their schedules while meeting deadlines and remaining content.
3. Does flexible working reduce stress?
The flexible workplace model can minimise workplace stress by fostering an environment that values teamwork, collaboration, and greater productivity while preserving work-life balance, independent thinking, and enjoyable and sustainable working habits.
Also Read : Navigating Global HR Challenges in 2024 – Strategies for Success
