Flexibility in the Workplace: Migration to the New Normal

Flexibility in the Workplace: Migration to the New Normal

 

Through the past century, most jobs have been categorised in the 8-5 section. Jobs start at 8 am and employees get to leave at 5 pm. In other cases, some companies have an even earlier arrival time. Others require employees to work overtime. However, today’s employees have started experiencing some changes in the workplace with regards to flexibility. Employers are beginning to create flexible work schedules for their employees. Despite this, we can not argue with the fact that some jobs cannot have flexible schedules. For example, the medical industry. Doctors can’t treat people from home. There are different types of flexible schedules that employers can use.

Types of Flexible Work Schedules

The first is the flex-time. In this kind of schedule, the employer is not concerned with when people arrive for work. He/she expects employees to work the required standard time and deliver results. The other is the part-time schedule. Sometimes employees have other commitments, like studiesthat do not allow them to work full-time. Employers may not want to let them go since they are good employees. They allow them to work part-time and let them resume full-time once they are able. The last is compressed workweeks. Here, employees can choose to work more than the standard time a couple of days. That way, the remaining days they can use them as off days. It should be allowed only if it does not affect the quality of work. Sometimes working more than eight hours reduces productivity.

Advantages of Flexibility in Work Schedules 

1. Achieving Better Work-Life Balance

Achieving a balance between work and personal life is very important to employees. Most people have families they take care of people who look up to them. This is the biggest reason most employees look for jobs with flexible schedules. So that they can spend time with their families. In other occasions, people have passions or interests they pursue. They also want time to do them. Moreover, people also have other important obligations which they juggle in between work. Hence their desire for a flexible work schedule. As the employer, one of the ways to retain your employees is through a flexible work schedule. The employees will feel that you care for them and not just about the work only. They will be happy since they can balance their work life and personal life. Of course, there is more to be done to retain employees.

2. Maintaining Good Healthcare

Good healthcare is very important for you. This involves both physical and mental health. The leading cause of mental and physical ailments is stress. Stress is mostly caused by extended full-time schedules that require intensive working. This is why flexibility is key. You can choose to work at a time when they are most productive. It is challenging to be productive when you are stressed. Take care of your health. Where possible, try to have a flexible to become more productive. 

3. Flexibility Allows You to Grow

Flexibility also has to do with skills and work output. It is the ability to learn new concepts quickly and switch roles when required to achieve a set target. Modern employers are looking for employees that are flexible. You should be willing to adapt to changing trends and take on new responsibilities. Also, when you become receptive to changing trends, you become more dependable. This means that your employer can count on you to rise to the occasion and face challenges. Ultimately, you grow in your career through promotions from bosses who have been impressed by your flexibility. 

Do you want to start on your career or improve your current status? Enrol for a programme of your choice with Unicaf. Get flexible study options to fit with your current lifestyle. Scholarships are also available to ease the burden of study fees. Apply Today