Flexible working: the benefits of flexible working and opening the door to a diverse workforce

Flexible working has become one of the most prominent topics of conversation for businesses across the UK with many candidates looking for the option to work flexibly, and clients trying to balance what works best for everyone. 

Working flexibly encompasses various arrangements that allow employees to work outside of the traditional 9-5 schedule, or the traditional office environment. These arrangements include remote working, flexitime, compressed hours, and job sharing. As we move forward, flexible working continues to shape the future of work, offering numerous benefits to both employees and employers.

The rise of flexible working

The demand for flexible working has surged in recent years. Advances in technology, such as cloud computing and video conferencing, have made it easier for employees to perform their duties from virtually anywhere. 

In fact, as a recruitment specialist, we know that a significant percentage of the workforce now expects flexible working options to be a standard part of their employment package.

The benefits of flexible working for employees

Flexible working offers numerous advantages for employees, significantly enhancing their professional and personal lives. These benefits contribute to higher job satisfaction and overall well-being, making flexible working a highly sought-after employment perk in today's job market.

• Improved work-life balance: Flexible working allows employees to better manage their personal and professional responsibilities, reducing stress and increasing job satisfaction.
• Increased productivity: Many employees report higher productivity levels when they have the autonomy to choose their working hours and environment.
• Reduced commuting time: Remote working eliminates the need for long commutes, saving time and reducing the environmental impact.
• Enhanced job satisfaction: Flexibility often leads to greater job satisfaction, which can result in lower turnover rates.

The benefits of flexible working for employers

As a Great Place to Work® and an Investors in People Gold accredited company, we have worked hard to allow our staff to have the flexibility they need to fit work around other commitments.

As an organisation we have seen the benefits of being more flexible with our staff, allowing our people with the opportunities to fit work around their home life. 

• Attracting top talent: Offering flexible working options can be a significant competitive advantage in attracting and retaining skilled employees.
• Increased employee engagement: Flexibility can enhance employee engagement and loyalty, leading to a more motivated and committed workforce.
• Diverse workforce: Flexible working can help create a more diverse and inclusive workplace by accommodating employees with different needs and circumstances.

A business case for inclusivity through flexibility

Beyond employee wellbeing, flexible and remote models also support important diversity and inclusion outcomes - particularly for carers, working parents, and those managing health or personal responsibilities. 

When organisations proactively offer part-time roles, job-sharing opportunities and hybrid working patterns, they remove barriers that disproportionately affect women, single parents, and those with caring duties. 

This not only widens the potential talent pool but also helps retain experienced professionals who may otherwise be forced to leave the workforce. Ultimately, flexibility is not just a cultural benefit; it is a strategic lever for workforce diversity, continuity or skills, and long-term organisational resilience. 

Implementing flexible working

To successfully implement flexible working, employers could consider:

• Developing clear policies: If required, establish clear guidelines and expectations for flexible working arrangements to ensure consistency and fairness.
• Investing in technology: Provide the necessary tools and technology to support remote working and collaboration.
• Promote a culture of trust: Foster a culture of trust and accountability, where employees are empowered to manage their own time and productivity.
• Regular communication: Maintain regular communication with remote employees to keep them engaged and informed.

Challenges and solutions

While flexible working offers many benefits, it also presents several challenges that need to be addressed to ensure a seamless and productive work environment. Here are some common challenges and potential solutions:

Team collaboration and communication: 

• Challenge: Flexible working can sometimes hinder effective team collaboration and communication, especially when team members are spread across different locations and time zones. Miscommunications and delays in information sharing can occur.
• Solution: Implementing robust collaboration tools such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Zoom can facilitate seamless communication. Encouraging regular virtual meetings and setting clear communication guidelines can help maintain team cohesion. Additionally, using project management software like Trello can ensure that all team members are aligned and updated on project progress.

Employee isolation and loneliness: 

• Challenge: Remote working can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness among employees, impacting their mental health and overall well-being. This is particularly true for individuals who thrive on social interactions in the workplace.
• Solution: Employers can foster a sense of community by organising virtual social events, such as online coffee breaks, team-building activities, and wellness programmes. Encouraging a culture of regular check-ins and peer support can also help employees feel more connected. Consider implementing a healthcare cash plan, where employees can benefit from counselling support. 

Managing work-life boundaries: 

• Challenge: When working from home, the lines between work and personal life can become blurred, leading to overworking and burnout. Employees may struggle to 'switch off' from work, impacting their work-life balance.
• Solution: Employers should promote the importance of setting clear work boundaries and encourage employees to establish a dedicated workspace. Providing resources and training on time management and self-care can also help employees manage their work-life balance effectively.

Performance monitoring and accountability: 

• Challenge: Ensuring productivity and accountability can be challenging in a flexible working environment. Managers may find it difficult to monitor performance without the traditional in-person oversight.
• Solution: Implementing clear performance metrics and regular progress reviews can help maintain accountability. Using performance management software can provide real-time insights into employee productivity. Managers should focus on output and results, fostering a results-oriented work culture.

By proactively addressing these challenges with effective solutions, employers can create a supportive and efficient flexible working environment that benefits both the organization and its employees.

Making flexible working work for you

While flexible working has numerous benefits, it's essential to recognise that it may not suit everyone. Some employees thrive in structured environments with clear boundaries between work and personal life. For others, the lack of direct supervision and social interaction in a remote or flexible setup can lead to decreased productivity and feelings of isolation. 

Therefore, businesses must ensure they offer a range of options to accommodate different working styles and preferences.

Providing options for all employees

To ensure that all employees can work effectively and maintain job satisfaction, businesses should consider offering a range of working arrangements:

• Hybrid working models: Combining the best of both worlds, hybrid models allow employees to split their time between remote work and office-based work. This flexibility can cater to those who need structure and social interaction while still enjoying the benefits of remote work.

• Personalised work arrangements: Allowing employees to choose from various work arrangements, such as part-time remote work, flexible hours, or traditional office hours, can help meet their individual needs. Regularly reviewing these arrangements and gathering employee feedback can ensure they remain effective.

• Supportive infrastructure: Providing the necessary tools and resources, such as reliable IT support, collaboration software, and clear communication channels, can help all employees perform their best regardless of their working arrangement.

Flexible working is not a one-size-fits-all benefit

How can businesses decide what flexible working initiatives are right for them? There isn't a right or wrong answer for this. Instead, organisations need to look at themselves under a microscope, and decide what is best for them, and their employees. It is also important to find out what your employees want, and what is important to them.

Making flexible working succeed is finding the right balance between personal circumstances and business needs.

A more diverse and inclusive way of working

Flexible working arrangements play a pivotal role in improving diversity within the workforce. By offering flexibility in terms of when, where, and how work is completed, businesses can attract and retain a more diverse range of employees, creating an inclusive environment that supports various needs and backgrounds. 

• Geographical diversity: Flexible working removes geographical barriers, allowing companies to hire talent from different locations, including those who may not be able to relocate. This not only broadens the talent pool but also brings in diverse perspectives from different regions and cultures. 
• Supporting different life stages: Employees at different life stages have varying needs. For instance, working parents may benefit from flexible hours to manage childcare responsibilities, while older employees might prefer reduced hours or remote work to accommodate health needs. Flexibility helps organisations support employees throughout different phases of their lives, fostering a more diverse age range within the workforce. 
• Inclusive for people with disabilities: Flexible working can be particularly beneficial for employees with disabilities, who may be more comfortable in a home setting. This inclusivity ensures that talented individuals who might otherwise face barriers in a traditional office environment can contribute effectively. 

Get in touch

Flexible working has proved to be a fundamental shift in how we approach work. By embracing flexible working arrangements, businesses can create a more dynamic, resilient, and satisfied workforce. As we navigate the future of work, flexibility will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping successful and sustainable business practices.

If you are struggling to find a role that offers you the flexibility you need, we would be more than happy to help. Get in touch with us today!