Flexible work is more than just remote work
- Karen O'Reilly
- Jun 13, 2019
- 2 min read
We are speaking to many interested and forward thinking companies at the moment about their flexible work policy and we have developed a flexible work toolkit to help them start their flexible work journey.
A common misconception with companies we speak with is that flexible work = remote work. Yes, remote work is a type of flexible work but there are many other types of flexibility that can be offered to an employee. Our recent survey showed that part time work was the most desired type of flexible work ( we all thought it would be remote too!)
Some companies argue against offering flexible work because of technology/security/insurance/presenteeism and 'if it ain't broke don't fix it' thinking. We will address these arguments in another blog post but our reasoning against 'flexism' is that
a) Flexible work is the future of work
b) In order to obtain and retain the best people, flexible work must be offered
c) EU directive on Work/Life Balance is imminent (parents have the right to request flexible work)
d) Happier employees make loyal and more productive employees
e) Cost savings for both employer and employee
Some type of flexibility can be found in every role. Types of flexible work:
Part Time - Obviously doing less hours that full time - this could mean up to 32 hours per week
Flexi time - sometimes flexible work can just mean starting earlier or later and finishing up earlier or later so that an arduous commute can be avoided. Allowing your employees flexitime where possible can make life alot easier for frazzled commuters and parents
Teleworking or remote work - working from home fully or partially has so many advantages when it is possible, with less pressure on urban centres, less commuting and pollution, more time for workers to spend with their families, etc etc
Job Sharing - This can be a great opportunity for employers; to employ 2 people with 2 different skill sets to join their team. Managed properly, a company can benefit from two brains for the price of one!
Term Time only - if only I became a teacher!? How often have I heard my Mum friends say that as they enviously covet teachers' holidays. Term time employment can work where work is not of an urgent nature - a research project/editing/contract work etc
Compressed Hours - A compressed hour week allows an employee to work a normal 35-40 hour week in less number of days e.g. working a 40 hour week in 4 days rather than 5
ROWE ( Results Only Work Environment) - Employees are paid for results rather than the number of hours they have worked. This would work well for project type work where objectives are clearly set
How can you make your workplace more flexible? Contact us to find out more.
Life is Short. Work Somewhere Flexible
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