EMBRACING FLEXIBILITY- A GUIDE TO MODERN FLEXIBLE WORK ARRANGEMENTS
Introduction
Recently
we can see a vast evolution in the workplace landscape. The workplace landscape
refers to the overall environment, structure, and dynamics of where people work.
It encompasses various elements such as organizational culture, technology,
work practices, and the overall trends shaping the way work is conducted. The
major factors that contributed to this evolution are societal changes,
technological advancements, and shift of organizational priorities.
As
per the evolution the workplaces have evolved from traditional office settings
to digital transformations, remote work and flexibility, collaborative
technologies, freelancing and gig economy etc... This blog will discuss
“Flexible work arrangements” -one of the main parts of present workplace
evolution.
“Flexible working is a pattern of working practice
or working hours that deviates from standard or normal arrangements”
The major causes that led organizations to consider about flexible work arrangements are technological advancement, globalization, changing demographics, focus on work-life balance, cost savings, Covid-19 pandemic, and environmental considerations.
From the above factors Covid-19 pandemic played a bigger role in encouraging organizations to adapt to flexible work arrangements. As many countries had to issue stay-at-home orders for the public many organizations started remote working as the new normal. Even after the pandemic many organizations continuously practice these concepts due to their advantages.
As per research done- 56% of employers surveyed globally says that they
have offered flexible work arrangements within their company but in Asia- this value
is 50%..
Categorization of
flexible working arrangements
The flexible working arrangements
can be divided as follows:
· Location flexibility- employees can work from a location different to main
worksite (ex- telecommuting)
· Schedule flexibility- employees can work for different work schedules (ex-
flextime, shift work, part time)
Every business
thinking about implementing this arrangement should do an organizational
evaluation to see whether and what sort of flexible scheduling will fit its
demands, as not all varieties are feasible or beneficial for all sizes and
types of enterprises.
Main types of flexible working arrangements:
Remote
work- This method can also be identified as telecommuting and teleworking.
Employees have the flexibility to work from a location other than the
traditional office, often from home or another remote site, using digital tools
and technology to stay connected with colleagues.
Flex
time- In this arrangement the employee gets the chance to adjust his workday
start and end times flexibly. The employer will decide the time an employee
need to work during the day and based on that, employee can choose the
comfortable time to start and end work. This allows them to adjust their work
hours to better fit their personal or family obligations.
Compressed
workweeks- This is where the employees cover the total number of weekly hours
within a fewer number of days of the week. For example, covering 40 hours per
week within 04 days and taking an extra off day. In this method employees need
to start early and finish late as they need to cover more hours within the day.
Part
time work- The employee work for fewer number of hours when compared to
standers hours. This arrangement can be temporary or permanent. The employer
will decide on this based on the employee circumstances such as medical
conditions. This may provide increased flexibility for individuals who may have
other commitments or responsibilities.
Job
sharing- Two or more employees share the responsibilities of a single full-time
position. This allows individuals to balance work and personal life while still
contributing to a full workload. Job sharing may affect pay, benefits and
holidays.
Phased
retirement- Employees gradually reduce their working hours or responsibilities
as they approach retirement. This will facilitate training the replacement,
planning the restructuring and adjustment of co-workers. This allows for a
smoother transition into retirement and can be beneficial for both the employee
and the employer.
Annualized
Hours- Employees work a certain number of hours over the course of a year but
have flexibility in when those hours are worked. This is particularly useful
for roles with varying workloads throughout the year.
Hot
desking- Employees do not have assigned desks but instead choose from a pool of
available workspaces each day. This arrangement is common in organizations
where employees do not need a dedicated workspace every day.
Please see this interesting video to understand the concepts further-
Advantages of flexible work arrangements
Better Work-Life
Balance: Employees who have flexible work schedules are able to better balance
their personal and professional life, which lowers stress levels and improves
general wellbeing.
Enhanced
Productivity: Many employees discover that they are more productive when
allowed to select their own work schedule and surroundings, which benefits both
businesses and employees.
Talent Attraction and
Retention: By meeting the unique requirements and preferences of each employee,
a firm may attract and keep top talent by providing flexible work alternatives.
Cost Savings:
Employers and employees may both save money with flexible work schedules.
Financial advantages include lower overhead (electricity/water/stationery) and travel
costs.
Diversity and
Inclusion: By meeting the requirements of people with varying circumstances,
including those who are responsible for providing care for others or have health
concerns, flexible work arrangements foster inclusion.
Access to a Worldwide
Talent Pool: Remote work and flexible scheduling allow businesses to reach out
to a worldwide talent pool that promotes diversity and brings in a range of
viewpoints and competencies.
Adaptability to
Change: Organizations with flexible structures are better equipped to adjust to
unforeseen occurrences (like pandemics) or changing market conditions.
Employee Empowerment: Giving workers the freedom to plan their own schedules increases their sense of accountability and autonomy, which in turn increases their job happiness.
Challenges of flexible work arrangements
1. Effective
communication and collaboration can be difficult to maintain when team members
are dispersed geographically or have conflicting schedules.
2. Monitoring
and Accountability: When working remotely, it might be more difficult to hold
staff members responsible for their job and make deadlines.
3. Work-Life
Boundaries: In the absence of clear guidelines, workers may find it difficult
to keep their personal and professional lives apart, which might result in
burnout and worse health.
4. Dependency
on Technology: Flexible employment frequently places a high priority on
technology, and access problems or other technological difficulties might
reduce output.
5. Team
Building and Company Culture: Compared to face-to-face interactions, developing
a strong team culture and cultivating relationships among employees who work
remotely or flexibly can be more challenging.
6. Security
Concerns: Working remotely raises the possibility of security issues like data
breaches and unauthorized access, which call for the implementation of
appropriate cybersecurity measures.
7. Inequitable
Resource Access: Employees who work in flexible arrangements may encounter
differences in opportunities and experiences due to unequal access to
resources.
8. Absence
of Face-to-Face Interaction: In fully remote or flexible work arrangements,
face-to-face interactions may be lacking in the creativity, innovation, and
sense of belonging that these interactions can foster.
9. Managing Performance: Evaluating and managing employee performance can be more complex when not physically present, requiring effective performance measurement systems.
10. Legal and Compliance Issues: Ensuring compliance with labor laws, regulations, and company policies becomes more challenging when employees work across different locations and schedules.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the landscape of work is evolving, and flexible work arrangements have become a cornerstone of this transformation. The mutual relationship between technological advancements, shifting societal expectations, and the pursuit of work-life balance has driven flexible work into the mainstream. As we navigate this dynamic era, embracing flexibility not only meets the diverse needs of employees but also proves to be a strategic advantage for employers. The future of work is undeniably flexible, offering a harmonious blend of productivity, well-being, and adaptability that benefits individuals and organizations alike.
Madusha Perera
2023
References-
Amstrong, M., 2023. Handbook of Human Resource
Managemnt Practice. 16th ed. s.l.:CPI Group UK Ltd.
Thanks for the post of Flexible working which is a pattern of working culture that deviates from standard or normal arrangements. Main types of flexible working arrangements including Remote work, Flex time,Part time work is well explained and linked with advantages for a better work life balance and for optimal productivity of a company.
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