Should you offer flexible working?

Since the pandemic, the nature of work has changed. Workers are now enjoying more freedom than ever before regarding where they work and when they work. But should your business embrace this change? Read on to find out.

What is it?

First of all, though, it’s worth understanding what exactly flexible working is. Usually, flexible working refers to workers enjoying more choice over how they work. This could mean that they choose how often to visit the office: maybe once a week rather than the traditional five days inside the office. Flexible working can also apply to working hours. If an employee benefits from flexible working, they might be able to set their own hours rather than adhering strictly to a nine to five timetable. There are rarer arrangements, such as annualised hours and staggered hours, but generally, flexible working refers to ways in which workers gain more choice over their hours and office.

Increased productivity

For a start, flexible working often leads to increased productivity. By working from home on your own set hours, you can cut out many time-consuming parts of the day. A long commute to the office is often energy-sapping and can cut into working hours. Meanwhile, if an employee has other responsibilities such as a family, a nine to five job can be restrictive. By letting such an employee select their own hours, you can allow them to work during their quietest and most productive moments of the day. And by marrying this with a quality ERP system, you can empower your employees to work more effectively with the latest flexible, cloud-based systems.

Attracts talent

Aside from increased productivity, flexible working can also help you attract talent. Flexible working can help employees enjoy a better work/life balance – naturally, job hunters will prioritise this benefit when searching for a new role. By making flexible working a central feature of your company culture, you’ll find it easier to attract top talent to your business.

Reduces turnover

On top of this, by offering your employees flexible working, you can reduce the turnover in your company. Flexible working will make your employees happy and boost their job satisfaction. As a result, you should experience less staff turnover. By boosting your retention, you can avoid the costly process of identifying and hiring new employees. It can take new hires up to a year to become as productive as their predecessor – it’s best to avoid this transition period if you can.

Most companies should incorporate flexible working as part of their employee strategy. This can boost productivity, help you attract new talent and increase staff retention, all while boosting morale in your workplace.