Most people get these moments of wishing their work was more flexible since not everyone is meant for a job with fixed working hours. Even those who are used to the fixed hours sometimes wish things were a little bit flexible.
Work flexibility has many benefits but at the same time, it can have some disadvantages! Although, we can’t deny that when a company tells its new employees that its system is flexible, the employees let out a sigh of relief.
But is flexibility at work a good or bad idea? We are about to find out.
How Do Some Companies Apply Flexibility?
Work flexibility has a lot of benefits, the most important one is that it somehow can reduce anxiety.
Some companies don’t enforce a certain time for their employees to show up on, they allow them to come whenever but they have to spend the specified working hours amount, which can be suitable for some people.
This way, they can satisfy both types of employees; those who want flexibility, and those who don’t need it.
Other companies allow certain days per month for their employees to work from home, which is also a good idea since some people prefer to work from home, as they can be more productive.
How Could Work Flexibility Benefit Us?
Flexibility can benefit both employees and employers. Wondering how? Well, hear us out.
Employees
Many employees feel comfortable working outside the office or from home and some can’t always arrive on time.
There is a post on Facebook that went viral that says “It’s not about work, it’s about when you show up at work” this post criticizes how employees are held accountable for their arrival time instead of paying attention to their work and effort.
So, flexibility can in fact make the company more focused on the employees’ hard work and results instead of their arrival and leaving time.
An employee can be more productive if they are working in an environment that is making them feel less stressed and more mentally stable.
Employers
Work flexibility can reduce office rent and other bills; also, it can increase the team’s morale.
For employers to get the best results at work, they have to make sure that their team doesn’t have any problems and they are comfortable at work; allowing flexibility will increase their morale, meaning that they won’t feel stressed about anything except how to get work done. If employees felt that their companies know how they feel, their morale will definitely increase.
Flexibility also makes the company’s atmosphere friendly and familial, which is what every employer wants; it will earn them their employees’ dedication and loyalty.
Flexibility Can Have Hidden Disadvantages
As much as flexibility has many benefits, it can still have some disadvantages! Unfortunately, not every work can provide flexibility; not because the employer is inconsiderate but it’s because of the work system and its nature.
For example, if you’re leading a telesales company, it will be hard to allow flexibility. Telesales’ work’s nature depends on the employee’s presence.
Also, it may be hard to hold meetings or brainstorming sessions if employees didn’t show up or showed up late. One of the disadvantages is that some employees can’t work without supervision; so they have to be at the office and someone must be strict with them every once in a while.
Should Companies Allow Flexibility?
Allowing flexibility is somehow a good idea as it will create a peaceful working environment. Although, applying it depends on the type of work a company does.
In order to apply flexibility, there have to be some rules that will go in parallel with the work system and needs. Also, for employees to enjoy flexibility, they have to expect to give back something in return.
Tell us your opinion and if your company is allowing flexibility, how is it applying it?
