11 WAYS FLEXIBLE WORK ARRANGEMENTS HELP BUSINESSES

We know flexible work schedules improve our lives immeasurably. But managers often resist, believing the conventional wisdom that the only way to get the most out of employees is to ensure that they are in the office as long as possible, grinding it out in their cubicles.

In fact, it is probably the least efficient way to work. We say: measure RESULTS, not face-time.

A flexible work schedule is often viewed as an ideal situation solely for the employee. But in fact, flexible work arrangements create a healthy work environment that breeds trust and loyalty between management and the employee.

The rewards for management are no longer mere theories. They are real and readily attainable.

JUST HOW DOES FLEXIBILITY ENHANCE THE WORKPLACE FROM MANAGEMENT’S PERSPECTIVE?

• Flexibility breeds productivity — The employee approaches the job with a completely different mind-set, making all “face-time” worthwhile;
• Reduced employee burnout - Because the flexible workplace isn’t the usual “grind,” allowing the employee the flexibility and the freedom to handle work and outside pressures in a more productive manner;

• No more “mental health days” — Bosses know their employees call in sick when they’re not, because they need a day every now and then to regroup mentally. Emotional and mental health is built into flexibility - because it empowers employees to manage their business and personal responsibilities in a way that is more realistic;
• No more sneaking around - Management knows it is paying for its employees to get the car fixed, pick up a sick child at school, and other ‘life happens’ matters.  It’s a lose/lose situation - it forces the employee to lie, the boss and colleagues get resentful, and the company is paying for you not to be there. A flexible work schedule breeds mutual trust and costs management nothing - because the company pays only for productive “on-the-job” time;
• Job sharing is an effective way for management to gain the talents of two professionals for about the price of one, giving the company greater ability to meet customer and client needs globally;
• Upward attitude adjustment - Employees who are allowed to have balance in their lives are known to have a positive, re-energized outlook toward work. Instead of a daily marathon that sucks the energy the enthusiasm out of the individual, the flexible workplace recognizes overwhelming outside commitments, the result is a committed, loyal employee;
• Prevent costly turnover - Our research reveals that 59% of women who leave to seek a flexible position never even bother to ask if a flexible job could have been arranged at their previous employer. Employees who feel requesting a flexible job will stigmatize them will never ask, but they will leave, and this is a huge and avoidable bottom-line cost;
• Attract the best new talent - Generation X professionals have demonstrated that salary isn’t all they seek - the want work/life balance, too and are willing to be loyal to the company that provides it. Also, flexible arrangements at the professional level enable small businesses to compete for talent, and attract a higher level of talent on a tight budget;
• Gain a recruiting advantage and improve your public image - Total quality management has taught us that a good company recognizes that professional employees want to do good work, but they need an environment that enables them to thrive. That company that will attract - and retain — top talent;
• Reduce overhead and improve cash flow - This is particularly important for smaller companies for whom these two are often the biggest obstacles to staying in business; Employees who telecommute save companies from having to expand and increase overhead;
• Improve the bottom line - Flexible work arrangements allow companies to hire the very best talent available well within budget because these professionals value time and freedom more than gaining the highest compensation possible.

The recent economic downturn has led to massive job loss. We believe if most employees are employed flexibly there would be less need to slash payroll because flexible professionals are more cost-effective and productive. There is an alternative to layoffs and full employment. Flexibility is a win/win way for management to gain a much needed financial and competitive advantage, while retaining the loyalty and commitment of talented, trained professionals.

Tags: Improve your bottom line

This entry was posted on Thursday, August 27th, 2009 at 8:45 am by Flexible Resources and is filed under Why flexible work arrangements are good for business. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.