Flexible work in the new era

  1. Definition of flexible workplace

    Workplace flexibility means, therefore, that employees are accorded autonomy and control over where, when and how they may want to work. Flexible workplace refers to shifting emphasis from rigid demanded office hours to the outcome produced by the employees themselves. This would likely include telecommuting arrangement, flexible time, or working outside the office. Its purpose would be to liberate workers from having to rely on their managers for handling work and personal tasks; that is, there would be increased job satisfaction and productivity.

  2. Flexibility benefits both employees and employers

    This made both parties realize that during this pandemic, people will be working from home and some of the benefits entailed some ease to reach home and lead to a better work-life balance. It enabled them to manage personal responsibilities well because of the flexibility. It allowed the employer to look at a larger talent pool since they were not bound by geographical locations. For example, for women as well as the younger generation, Gen Z, the argument for flexibility is strengthened by the interest shown in remote opportunities, which have been found by research.

  3. Hybrid is the new future of work

    Hybrid work models are slowly becoming a big shift as businesses move to the "next normal." With remote work becoming increasingly successful during the pandemic, workers are demanding flexibility even as the pandemic subsides. Indeed, according to various surveys, many employees state they would quit a job if there were no flexible work options available in terms of location and working hours. Business leaders finally realize that flexible work arrangements will form the basis upon which attracting and retaining talent will be achieved in the future. The one-time-and-per-efficient perk, flexible working, has now turned into an essential requirement for many to survive in this math game of office life.

  4. The pressure on employers to offer flexibility

    In a scenario where flexibility becomes the most sought-after factor to stay on board among the employees, pressure on organizations to change is inevitable. According to various research studies, most of the companies face an issue with their organizations because their competitors offer flexibility at work. To develop and address these new expectations, companies are reassessing their policies regarding investment in remote work technology, flexible schedules, and other work-life balance strategies. Organizations that are not flexible face a very high chance of losing their stars to these new competitors who embrace change.

  5. The future: Flexibility in all its guises

    Organizations that look ahead should rightly embrace every form of flexible work arrangement so that different needs of the workforce can be met. As important as telecommuting is, others such as flexible hours, job sharing, and extended leaves also come in handy. That is, from hours to productivity, employers should encourage an output culture whereby the value would be given to what gets done compared to being in an office. With such a situation, organizations will be able to have a productive yet supportive work setting for their workers.

  6. Conclusion

    It has to be an integral part of today's employment now. Fuelled by the coronavirus, this flexibility at work is guaranteed by the long-term demand employees have. As the business world moves forward in this new post-pandemic reality, it would be important to adapt to flexible working practices designed to meet organization needs but aligned to the needs of employees. A business which offers a range of flexible arrangements may develop an effective and committed workforce, equipped to face whatever the future might bring.