How is flexibility perceived?
Many companies see flexibility working as an option, however it is not. All workers within the UK have a legal right to request flexible working if they have been working for the same company for 26 weeks and the company has to review all requests in a reasonable manner. However, there should be a sound business reason as to why they are not able to consider flexible working.
You can find more information on the ACAS website:ACAS: The right to request flexible working
Employers give many reasons why employees’ cannot work flexibly. These aregument do not stand up with current technology. Companies have no excuse with technology of today.
Get with the programme! Clearly all of these issues are easy to overcome.
Happier Employees
Flexible working can lead to a happier and productive workforce. It can have a huge impact on employee satisfaction. Employees are more committed to their role with flexibility. No one want to feel that management think they are skiving off work.
Research has shown that employees are less stressed as flexible working allows them to work around responsibilities outside of their job. It helps them balance their work-life schedule better. It in turn leads to improved employee health.
Flexibility works both ways. Companies can save cost by reducing the need for office space. Employees are less stressed so overall health is better. Therefore better health equals less sick days equals reduced cost. It is a no brainer.
Helping to attract and retain employees
It is a good attraction tool if companies are looking to recruit potential employees. Employess might not all want to work from home, so not everyone will take up the offer. Employees can choose according to thier circumstances.
It improves the company’s rate of retention as employees’ would be less likely leave for a company who does not offer this benefit.
With the focus these days on sustainability and the footprint companies are leaving on the environment, work flexibility assist companies in becoming more greener – employees do not have to travel to work which leaves a smaller carbon footprint and as already mentioned, smaller work space is required.
Clearly there are benefits for both employers and employees by adopting flexible working. So by setting clear boundaries it can work.
Written by Alison Charles and Reyhana Jano
