9 reasons why allowing flexibility in the workplace is important
August 12, 2024
August 13, 2024
The importance of flexibility in the workplace is becoming a must-have perk for many job seekers and employees. This approach to work can be transformative, not just for your staff but for your business, too. Whether you let them choose where to work from or when to clock in, you empower your team to function the way they want. Why does it matter, and how does it benefit everyone? It’s more than staying on top of modern trends; it’s about driving growth, people-centricity, and innovation. Every aspect of an organization gains from adaptability, including increasing productivity and enhancing employee satisfaction. Here are 9 benefits of flexible work arrangements that highlight why it’s essential to make flexibility part of your workplace strategy.
Flexibility in the workplace explained
Defining flexibility at work
Flexibility in the workplace is about giving people choices about how, when, and where they do their jobs. They can work from home, set hours that fit their lifestyle, or even share their role with someone else. This approach helps employees balance their professional and personal lives, making them happier and more productive. It also aids companies in adjusting quickly to changes and staying in touch with what workers want. With adaptability, everyone wins. Team members feel more engaged, and businesses can tackle new challenges more effectively.
Understanding the different types of flexible work
Flexibility at work isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept. It mixes up where, when, and how you do your job.
Here’s a breakdown of the different types of flexibility:
- Location: Work from anywhere—home, a café, or while traveling.
- Time: Adjust your start and end times to suit your daily routine.
- Contract: Options range from freelancing to part-time roles or job sharing.
Getting some concrete examples of flexibility in the workplace
Here are some flexible working models regarding location, time, and contract types.
Location:
- Full remote: Work entirely from home.
- In-office: Traditional corporate setting.
- Hybrid: Combination of remote and onsite work.
Time:
- Flextime: Adjustable start and end times.
- Compressed workweeks: Full hours in fewer days.
- Part-time: Reduced weekly hours.
Contract:
- Job sharing: Multiple people fill one role.
- Shift swapping: Employees trade shifts as needed.
👉 Discover 12 examples of flexibility at work described!
9 benefits proving the importance of flexibility in the workplace
1. Answer employees’ expectations and boost satisfaction
86% of people wish to work from home at least twice a week.1 Flexibility at the office resonates with everyone, especially the younger generations, such as Millennials and Gen Z. They like it because it lets them juggle their careers with their personal lives on their own terms. By introducing flexible work options, you show your team you get what matters to them.
This boosts their happiness and ties them closer to your company. Everyone wants to feel valued, and when they do, they’re more eager to contribute, stick around, and grow with the business.
2. Attract and retain talent worldwide
Flexibility in the workplace attracts skilled employees from all over the world. Offering flexible options lets you break down traditional geographical barriers and tap into a wider talent pool.
The result? You get a more diverse and skilled team that can better understand and cater to global customers. It also allows you different perspectives, which is key to growing and innovating. Overall, diversity in the workplace makes your business more competitive, increasing your market reach and reputation.
3. Save and optimize office costs
You can save a lot of money by being flexible. With less need for full-time desks, you cut down on rent and utility bills. You can use these savings to upgrade tech, improve employee benefits, and enhance training programs.
By managing space smartly, you can invest in areas directly affecting company culture and workers’ satisfaction. It’s more than saving money; it’s about creating a more positive and supportive work environment.
👋 Try our hybrid office calculator and discover where to save costs in your workplace!
4. Support a healthy work-life balance
Flexible work options give your team the power to shape their schedules, helping them manage their professional and personal lives more effectively. This autonomy boosts morale and loyalty, making employees feel respected and valued.
It also reduces burnout, leading to a happier, healthier, more engaged and committed workforce. People who have control over their work-life balance thrive both professionally and personally. This, in turn, leads to better results and improved productivity.
5. Increase employee productivity
Allowing employees to work during peak hours taps into their natural rhythms, boosting productivity as they’re most alert and energetic. They then tend to focus better and deliver a higher-quality performance.
Flexibility also encourages creativity and problem-solving, as people are accessible from the constraints of traditional 9-to-5 jobs. This approach fosters a culture where innovative ideas flourish, and efficiency maximizes overall company performance. Regarding hybrid work, our research reveals that location flexibility allows employees to gain an average of one day of productivity per week!
6. Promote people-centric practices
Flexibility shows you care about employees’ well-being as much as their work. With this approach, top talent finds a workplace that respects and supports them, not just a job. It’s easier for people to be motivated, engaged, and dedicated when they feel appreciated and part of a caring culture. Enabling your workforce to balance work and life better while being more flexible in their ways of working can lead to a higher retention rate and a lower turnover ratio. It’s undoubtedly a long-term benefit for your business as people-centricity is an aspect that workers value more and more.
7. Enhance employee empowerment and trust in the workplace
By giving your team control over how, where, and when they work, you're building a foundation of trust. It signals that you believe in their ability to manage their responsibilities without constant oversight. Employee empowerment boosts confidence and job satisfaction, leading to a more dynamic and responsive workforce. Empowered employees feel more accountable and are motivated to deliver their best and grow with the company. It fosters a positive and productive working environment for everyone.
💜 Learn more about the importance of trust in the workplace!
8. Supports employee mental health
Stress can become overwhelming in our busy lives, where every minute counts. Rigid schedules make it hard to juggle a career and family. A flexible work arrangement lets employees manage their time in a way that reduces pressure, providing a much-needed break. By setting their calendars, people can better balance their jobs and other commitments, like sports and childcare. Supporting mental health is crucial as it cultivates a more employee-centric, relaxed, and focused environment.
9. Foster a more inclusive working culture
Promoting flexibility in the workplace is also crucial because it fosters a more inclusive culture. When employees can adjust their schedules or work remotely, it opens doors for individuals facing challenges with traditional duty hours or long commutes. Such adaptability in the office is great for parents, caregivers, and people with disabilities. It creates an environment where everyone can contribute fully and comfortably, regardless of their circumstances. The more flexible a company is, the more diverse its workforce can be.
How deskbird supports you in implementing flexible work arrangements successfully
Manage flexible workspaces with workspace booking and desk assignment
deskbird transforms how you manage flexible workspaces with its seamless workspace booking and desk assignment features. Our solution lets you easily see who’s in the office and where people are sitting and reserve workstations or meeting rooms. The system is designed to cater to your dynamic team’s needs, offering functionalities like bookings and the ability to book multiple days or desks nearby. Our intuitive app runs on Android and iOS so you can work from anywhere, anytime.
📆 Start a free trial of the deskbird app to see how it works and how to save costs!
Optimize your flexible office and save costs thanks to data analytics
deskbird analytics turn complex workspace metrics into straightforward savings. Here’s how it works: deskbird digs deep into how your floor plan is used, analyzing everything from peak occupancy times to the types of workspaces booked. This information helps you tailor your building to actual needs, cutting costs on unused space and reducing overheads like power and maintenance. Plus, deskbird’s insights make sure complex data back your decisions. It makes your office more efficient and productive.
Handle flexible schedules in a few clicks with our weekly planning
Keeping everyone in sync is easy with deskbird’s week planning feature. Quickly see who’s in and out, manage desk and room bookings, and update team schedules all in a few clicks. Whether it’s making sure you grab a coffee with a colleague or aligning on project work, our tools make organizing your week straightforward and stress-free. Plus, with options like recurring reservations and custom work locations, you can tailor the workspace to fit your team’s needs perfectly. We’re simplifying how you plan your time at work.
Enhance collaboration with room booking and interactive floor plans
With deskbird’s room booking, reserving meeting rooms has never been easier. Whether planning a quick meet-up or a full-day workshop, find the fitting room quickly using our interactive maps. Each room’s details, like capacity and available equipment, are at your fingertips, so you can ensure it meets your needs before reserving. No more double bookings or room confusion; our system keeps everything in check. It’s less hassle and more efficient so that you can hold meetings on track.
Boost connections and team bonding with office events
Keeping your staff bonded and connected is one of the most important aspects of a flexible work environment. With deskbird office events features, team members can easily participate in or even start events, no matter where they are. You can easily organize events, outline details, and invite participants through a straightforward interface. Employees can mark their attendance and view details about who else will be there.
Flexible work practices are a smart move for every company. By recognizing the importance of flexibility in the workplace, you empower your team to work in ways that suit their personal and professional needs. Working in ways that align with their necessities brings motivation and devotion to their roles. This leads to better performance and, ultimately, a thriving business. Flexibility also helps attract diverse talent and fosters an inclusive environment where everyone can succeed. The benefits of flexible work arrangements lead to higher energy and commitment. With deskbird, you can quickly embrace flexibility to help your business thrive. Workspace booking, desk assignment, and team bonding become effortless.
Request a free demo of the deskbird app to discover all of it!
Note:
1 Return to Work Statistics (2023), Business Transition 360.
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