How to get flexible working right
Do you want to ensure that flexible working is beneficial for both you and your employees? It can be tricky to get it right – but with a few thoughtful changes and adaptations, it’s possible to create a workspace where everyone can thrive. Read on to find out how to get flexible working just right.
1. Adopting Flexible Working – The Benefits
Recent years have seen the introduction of flexible working solutions for many companies as an advantage for their employees. Flexible working comes with many benefits for both parties and is an innovative solution for a modern workforce. Here are just a few of the advantages:
- Greater Well-Being – By allowing employees to work remotely, they can benefit from better work-life balance and also enjoy more freedom in their day-to-day lives.
- Increased Productivity – With the ability to work from anywhere, employees can concentrate better and avoid the distractions from a traditional office environment.
- Reduced Overheads – For companies, the lack of an office-bound workforce can save significant amounts in terms of office costs, including rent, furniture and equipment.
Overall, flexible working has the potential to open up a range of opportunities for both employers and employees. Employees are likely to be more productive, motivated and engaged in their working lives, while companies can reap the cost savings of reducing overheads. All in all, it’s a win-win situation!
2. Preparing for Successful Flexible Working
Finding The Right Balance of Self-Management and Teamwork
Flexible working can be an opportunity for personal growth and development, but requires a forward-thinking approach to managing your own time and learning to work with more autonomy. Of course, team input and guidance is still essential to help keep you focused and on-schedule. It’s important to remember everybody’s workload and schedules vary from each other, so tactical communication and collaboration via regular check-ins will be the key to success.
Another factor to consider within flexible working is familiarising yourself with the tools, processes and applications used by the team. By understanding the technology, you can become better equipped in managing and sorting tasks, keeping the communication between you and your team active, and streamlining the back-and-forth that comes with collaborations on projects. Learning how different tools can aid in improving workflow will help you improve your work style during flexible working.
3. Working Smarter to Enhance the Flexible Working Experience
As a flexible worker, you should do everything you can to maximize your productivity and make sure that you get the most out of your work from home setup. Here are three ways to work smarter in your flexible environment:
- Create structure: Design your setup to mimic an office (i.e. designated workspace, specific hours, etc.), and stick to an agreed-upon routine. You’ll be more productive and feel more in control of your work.
- Reduce distractions: Working from home comes with its own unique set of distractions. Invest in noise-canceling headphones, close your blinds, and put your phone on silent if necessary.
- Use the right tools: Automation and time tracking tools like Asana, Toggl, and Trello will help you stay on task and streamline your workflow. This can help you take full advantage of your flexible working environment.
By taking the time to work smarter in your flexible environment, you can make sure that you’re getting the most out of your work from home setup. You’ll feel more productive, motivated, and in control of your work.
4. Adapting the Workplace to Support Flexible Working
Empower Employees
Allowing team members to work flexibly can be a powerful way to motivate them. They may feel more in control of their lives and better equipped to manage their work and their home responsibilities. Invite employees to suggest ways in which the workplace can be adapted to support their work styles. Open up the dialogue and listen to their ideas!
Flexible Working Technology
Break down the physical and psychological barriers to flexible working with the right technology. Invest in cloud-based communication platforms and make sure team members can stay connected from wherever they are. Schedule meetings and streamline communication processes in shared documents and on messaging apps. Facilitate collaboration and ensure that outcomes are delivered on-time. So, if you want to make the most of flexible working, it’s essential to take into account the needs of all of those involved, invest in the necessary technology tools, and encourage an open, communicative culture. With a committed and collaborative attitude, flexible working can be an incredibly rewarding and productive experience for everyone.