Flexible Workspace

What is a Flexible Workplace?

A flexible workplace is one where employees will have different preferences for how and when they perform at their best. The quality of the work completed is more important than finishing it within a specific time frame or location. A flexible workplace will consider the requirements of both the employer and the employee, supporting improved work-life balance with flexible work arrangements.

How to Implement Flexibility in the Workplace?

Flexibility in the workplace can be implemented in many different ways by both employees and employers.

1. Flexibility in the workplace for employees

When asked to accept a new assignment, employees who have a flexible outlook won't object. Instead, adaptable employees change how they go about their work in response to employers and the particular needs of each circumstance. Workers' willingness to be flexible may include altering their work schedule to meet the company's needs by arriving early, staying late, or working non-workday.

Depending on the setting and sector you work in, Flexibility and adaptability can manifest themselves in many different ways, but the following are some general ways employees can show Flexibility:

• Leaving the office after regular business hours or arriving early
• Simplify or enhance a process by learning new skills or software
• By adjusting as per the change of role and responsibilities
• Assisting coworkers with tasks when necessary or mentoring new hires
• Keeping abreast of market developments

2. Flexibility in the workplace for employers

Flexibility is also crucial for how management deals with employees. Flexible managers treat staff members as individuals and try to take into account their unique needs and preferences. For instance, one employee might need more structure in their responsibilities, whereas another might work better independently. As they concentrate on achieving the company's priorities, managers frequently need to modify schedules and assign routine tasks. Managers must change their communication and feedback methods to support staff members as they navigate various difficulties, so they play a crucial role in this situation. The following are a few examples of good workplace flexibility practices:

• Recognizing the motivations of team members
• Concentrating on results rather than process when pursuing goals
• Fostering innovation and idea exchange
• Expressing goals in a transparent manner
• Establishing a setting where workers feel free to take time off for personal reasons

Different Forms of Flexibility in the Workplace 

The majority of businesses see more advantages in implementing flexible work policies and alternative work arrangements than disadvantages. These alternative work arrangements can be broadly divided into two types:

• Formal Flexibility: As specified in the employment contract.
• Informal Flexibility: This results from an understanding between the employer and the employee.

To develop trust within the organization, both of these types are required. These types can also be divided into:

• Flexible Work Schedules: An option for any work schedule aside from the regular work schedule. Flextime, compressed workweeks (working full-time in fewer than five days), and flexible shift and break arrangements are examples of this. 
• Flexible Work Hour Policies: People needing it are offered part-time work or a reduced workweek.
• Flexibility at Work: Allowing employees to work remotely or in a satellite office better accommodate their personal needs.
  

Benefits of Flexible Workplaces

A flexible workplace offers many advantages. It facilitates a better work-life balance for employees, which raises morale and increases satisfaction. The cost of hiring and training newcomers is consequently decreased, as is the employee turnover rate. Employers who allow telecommuting, or working from home, can cut costs by using less office space, and working from home can reduce the environmental impact of long commutes.

Flexible workers, on the other hand, are ready to go above and beyond to complete the task, whether that means taking on additional responsibilities, performing different tasks, or putting in more time at the office. They can thus provide their employer with more benefits than workers who are limited to one or two tasks. Employers don't need to find new people to take on more work when they have workers willing to do more than the requirements of their current position.