Unlocking the Benefits of Flexible Working: 4 Methods to Foster a Positive Environment
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There has been a lot of talk about flexible working over the past year or so. More and more employers are allowing their staff members to stay at home, choose their own hours, and work to a schedule that fits in with their home life. There are numerous questions surrounding flexible working, and whether it is beneficial for businesses and their long-term growth. Whether you’re considering a hybrid working policy in your workplace, or you’re trying to change the narrative surrounding working from home, here are a handful of methods for you to consider.
Hire Staff Who Want to Work Flexibly
In a rapidly changing world, the concept of traditional office spaces has gradually shifted towards remote work. Embracing this trend offers incredible opportunities for businesses to tap into a global talent pool and operate with enhanced efficiency. This transformative shift calls for organizations to recognize the importance of hiring staff who are not only capable but also eager to work remotely. Here's why hiring remote-ready staff should be a priority:
1. Increased Productivity: Remote work allows employees to customize their work environment to suit their needs. When individuals have the freedom to work in an environment conducive to focus and creativity, their productivity soars. By hiring staff who desire remote work, organizations are more likely to attract self-motivated individuals who thrive in autonomous environments, resulting in higher productivity levels across the board.
2. Access to Top Talent: Remote work eliminates the limitations of geographical proximity when recruiting potential talent. By tapping into a global workforce, organizations open themselves up to a larger pool of qualified applicants. Hiring staff willing to work remotely allows companies to access the brightest minds from around the world, bringing diverse ideas and perspectives to the table.
3. Cost Savings: Shifting to a remote workforce can significantly reduce overhead costs associated with maintaining physical office spaces. Rent, utilities, and other expenses can be dramatically reduced or eliminated altogether. By hiring staff who prefer remote work, organizations can cut these costs while still maintaining a highly productive workforce.
4. Flexibility and Work-Life Balance: Remote work offers employees the flexibility to balance their personal and professional lives effectively. When staff members have the autonomy to determine their working hours and environment, they are more likely to achieve work-life harmony. By hiring individuals who value this flexibility, organizations can foster a happier and more satisfied workforce, leading to increased loyalty and reduced turnover.
5. Environmental Sustainability: Embracing a remote workforce can contribute to a greener future. By minimizing commuting and reducing office energy consumption, organizations hiring remote-ready staff play an active role in reducing their carbon footprint. This commitment to environmental sustainability also resonates with employees and customers who prioritize conscious business practices.
6. Enhanced Disaster Preparedness: The ongoing global crisis has highlighted the importance of having a business contingency plan. Organizations that hire staff who are accustomed to working remotely are better equipped to handle unexpected events. Remote-ready staff provide a valuable resource during times of crisis, ensuring uninterrupted operations when faced with unforeseen challenges.
Communicate Your Expectations
Once you have your ideal workforce in place, you need to talk about your expectations. Laying out the firm but fair ground rules of flexible working will help everyone to get onto the right page so that there is a level of trust established.
Lead By Example
If you are demanding something in particular from your flexible workers, you need to lead by example in every way. Doing something different to them simply because you’re the boss doesn’t give off a positive look, and you need them to be able to trust you. When it comes to leading by example, you shouldn't have any guidelines or rules that you wouldn’t be happy to follow yourself. This will ultimately make it much easier for you and your employees to stick to the workplace rules surrounding flexible working.
Talk to Your Employees
Now would be the ideal time to talk to your employees and find out exactly what they are looking for regarding flexible working hours. Perhaps the general consensus is that they all want to be at home and work regular office hours. Whereas other employers may find that earlier starts or later finishes working better for their particular lifestyle. Seeing each person in your workplace as an individual rather than a group that wants the same thing, will help hugely when it comes to creating a positive narrative around flexible working.
As you can see, there are so many different ways in which you can approach flexible working in your workplace. The most important consideration to make is communication amongst your team. Everyone needs to know where they stand with regard to working from home and other flexible working policies that are outlined in your establishment. Getting everyone onto the same page, listening to their opinions, and allowing a certain level of flexibility will ultimately help to boost morale and create a more positive environment in your place of work.