Implementing flexible working arrangements can revolutionise the way businesses operate, providing numerous benefits for both employees and employers.
However, many organisations worldwide haven’t yet fully understood the advantages of flexible working. This resistance could be because of a perceived administrative burden, or cost implications. Whatever the reason, we’ve got some truly powerful tips to help businesses successfully implement flexible working.
In this guide, we'll explore how to overcome barriers and successfully implement flexible working policies in your organisation. ⬇️
What is flexible working?
Flexible working encompasses various arrangements, including part-time, remote, flexi-time, compressed hours, and more. It offers employees the freedom to choose when, where, and how they work, leading to increased productivity, job satisfaction, and work-life balance.
Why is job flexibility important?
- Flexible working allows parents to be present for school functions and care for sick children without taking sick days
- Flexible arrangements demonstrate that the company values individual needs, fostering positive relationships
- Employees can create work environments and schedules that suit their styles, boosting productivity
- Flexible options attract top talent and expand the talent pool
- Customised arrangements alleviate burnout and mismanaged time, improving well-being
- Flexibility enables employees to balance personal and work commitments while maximising productivity
- Minimising commutes helps employees stay focused and alleviates stress
- Flexible arrangements reduce carbon emissions and energy consumption
- Flexibility boosts motivation and productivity by fostering trust and autonomy
6 tips for implementing flexible working
Ask your employees what they want
“Tailor flexibility options based on employee preferences”
Trust your employees to know their preferred workflow styles and tailor flexibility options based on both the nature of your business and employee preferences. You’ll also need the optimal balance of full-time and part-time employees within teams/departments to maintain business operations and staff well-being.
Next, make sure to consult with employees. You can do this by engaging in early consultations to uncover individual needs and preferences and conducting surveys, focus groups, and informal discussions to gather input. Involving employees in the process can help generate innovative options tailored to your organisation.
Don't hesitate to seek external input as well. Reach out for advice and feedback from other organisations, clients, and board members. Consider implementing simple yet effective strategies shared by other companies to optimise productivity.
Use the right tools
“Equip your team with the necessary resources for seamless operations”
To facilitate seamless operations in flexible work arrangements, it's crucial to equip your team with the right tools and resources. Here are some key considerations 👇
Have the right HR software
- Ensure your HR software allows for easy tracking of flexible work arrangements such as remote work, part-time schedules, flexitime, and compressed workweeks. This includes features for logging hours worked, managing leave requests, and monitoring work patterns
- Look for HR software that includes robust communication features such as instant messaging, video conferencing, and collaboration tools. These tools facilitate seamless communication and collaboration among remote or flexible teams
- Consider software with performance management features that support remote and flexible workers. This includes tools for setting goals, conducting performance reviews, and providing feedback, all of which are essential for managing remote teams effectively
Communication channels
- For chatting and staying connected, set up some internal instant messaging. It's quick and easy for team communication
- Utilise screen-sharing capabilities during collaborative work sessions to enhance collaboration
- Invest in advanced remote conference tools to enable virtual meetings and discussions, fostering effective communication
- Look for HR software that includes robust communication features such as instant messaging, video conferencing, and collaboration tools. These tools facilitate seamless communication and collaboration among remote or flexible teams
Time tracking tools
- Implement online tools for tracking attendance, especially if employees currently clock in and out at the company entrance
- Consider mobile time clock applications to enable employees to register their hours remotely
Communicate
“Clearly communicate expectations and increase communication efforts as needed”
Effective communication is essential for the successful implementation of flexible work policies. Clearly communicate performance expectations, especially in remote work scenarios. Provide employees with clear guidelines on what is expected of them in terms of work output, quality, and deadlines.
Foster open lines of communication to prevent isolation among remote or flexible workers. It’s also a good idea to encourage regular check-ins between managers and employees to ensure access to necessary resources and support.
As the number of flexible workers grows, increase communication efforts accordingly. Implement strategies to ensure all employees feel connected and informed, regardless of their work location or schedule.
Encourage personal accountability
“Clear communication of roles and responsibilities helps employees understand what is expected of them, enabling them to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines effectively”
It's essential to ensure clarity on tasks, goals, and expectations for all employees. Clear communication of roles and responsibilities helps employees understand what is expected of them, enabling them to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines effectively.
Providing training to managers on effective accountability practices is equally important. Managers play a pivotal role in holding employees accountable for their work. Equipping them with the necessary skills and tools to provide constructive feedback and address performance issues can lead to a more accountable workforce.
Establishing guidelines regarding communication, work space, and hours helps maintain consistency and sets expectations for remote employees. This clarity prevents misunderstandings and ensures that remote workers remain engaged and productive.
Run a pilot programme
“Starting small allows organisations to test the waters and identify any challenges or issues on a smaller scale before rolling out the program company-wide”
During the trial period, it's important to implement the chosen flexible work options and assess their impact on both employees and the organisation as a whole. This allows for a comprehensive evaluation of the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed changes.
Moreover, evaluating the pilot program with each employee individually provides an opportunity to gather specific feedback and insights. By soliciting input from employees, organisations can gain valuable perspectives on the strengths and weaknesses of the flexible work options and identify areas for improvement.
Starting small is advisable when initiating a pilot program, particularly in a specific team or department. This approach allows organisations to test the waters and identify any challenges or issues on a smaller scale before rolling out the program company-wide.
Takeaway
By following these six top tips, you can overcome barriers and successfully introduce flexible work arrangements in your workplace ⬇️
✅ Ask your employees what they want
✅ Invest in the right tools
✅ Prioritise communication
✅ Encourage personal accountability
✅ Run a pilot programme
✅ Create solid policies
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