Positive Effects of Adopting Flexibility at Work
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t is not a secret that in today’s modern world, flexible working hours and conditions have become THE trend. In fact, it might be the most positive factor that has changed the rules of the game of business, which is why it is a policy we at Kashida have adopted since our inception in 2011. And although many big corporates are still resisting change, others, such as Linkedin and Netflix, have already started following the flexibility trend, by offering their employees “unlimited vacation” as an example. Furthermore, companies such as EY, ADP and McKinsey & Co are empowering working mothers by granting them the financial support, emotional reassurance and flexibility, in working hours and location, that they need to maintain the same level of productivity while still being there for their children.
At the end of the day, productivity and results cannot be measured by the number of hours spent at work or the physical location in which the work is taking place. However, the level of flexibility to be provided depends on several factors such as the operations and production process, employees’ geographical distribution, and services provided. And here is some advice from us on how companies can actually use flexible working hours and similar policies to their own advantage.
Become results-oriented company
Putting more value on the quality and timeliness of the output, rather than punching in time, is what matters when evaluating business results. Adopting a flexible working hours and conditions policy secures employees’ wellbeing and comfort, which are key elements that lead to higher productivity and better performance, eventually reflecting in better results.
Encourage diversity and multi-culturalism
Having geographically distributed teams and team members, while allowing employees on the same team to choose their own geographical preference, adds a lot of value to the team due to the genuine results of multiple cultures, backgrounds, lifestyles and mentalities combined.
Cope with busy deadlines and too many “last minutes”
Companies that expect their employees to stay for extra working hours to finish last minute and urgent tasks might as well grant the flexibility employees need in less demanding times. A balance between expectations and offerings encourages employees to get out of their own way to meet deadlines and work on last minute tasks.
Take the work out of just the office
When employees need to be outside the office for certain hours to finish tasks or even attend meetings, not bounding them to a physical location makes their lives easier and is actually considered more efficient. In fact, saving on commuting time and the energy spent while commuting triggers better mood, and hence, better performance.
Drive innovation in Technology and Design
Generally speaking, jobs that require a high level of creativity and concentration demand a certain atmosphere to trigger the latter and to minimize the distractions employees face in the office. In fact, employees can’t be forced to release their creativity within a fixed range of working hours or a physical location. Hence, the freer the employees are when it comes to choosing their own working environment and hours, the wider their imagination, and the more focused they tend to be.
Those are only a few of the main benefits that reflect directly on organizations adopting flexibility; the main challenge, however, remains to ensure employees have their own self-discipline to succeed in a flexible environment, and for that you can read more on this here. If you are wondering how employees are managing their flexible working hours and conditions, we’ll be tackling that in our next blog. Stay tuned!
