When it comes to attracting top talent, many employers focus on offering the basics like competitive salary and quality benefits. But there’s one more thing talent is looking for, and many employers are hesitant to offer it: flexibility. So, what is flexibility in the workplace? And how do you capitalize on it as an employer? Let’s break it down:
What is Workplace Flexibility?
A flexible work environment is one that places less emphasis on the traditional nine-to-five regimen and focuses instead upon employee autonomy and wellbeing. This doesn’t necessarily mean throwing out the rulebook, but it does require some adjustment. A flexible workplace will often give employees more freedom in one or more of these areas: hours, location, or paid time off. Flexibility in the workplace largely came about due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, but this aspect of the trend doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. In fact, a 2024 survey found that 83% of workers in the United States consider flexible hours to be important, and that 74% said the same about location flexibility. Not only does flexibility attract talent, but it may actually prove beneficial to employers and employees alike.
Benefits of Flexible Work
Flexibility in the workplace can have a myriad of positive effects. The most notable for employers, found in a survey conducted by Stanford University are a 13% increase in productivity and a 50% increase in job satisfaction. Higher job satisfaction often leads to higher retention, meaning that flexible work not only attracts top talent, but can help keep them there too.
A survey completed by Mental Health America outlines the benefits that employees experience as a result of workplace flexibility. The most important of which are that 71% of employees experience a greater balance between their work and personal lives, and that 32% of employees would be willing to take a cut in pay in order to have flexibility in their location.
When is Flexibility Appropriate?
Despite the rising popularity of flexible work, and the growing preference by employees, not all roles will allow for fully implementing this style of work. If this is the case, still consider allowing flexibility in location (as long as the time-zone allows it). This way, employees can still enjoy some of the benefits of a flexible work environment without disrupting productivity.
The Only Constant in Life is Change
While offering flexibility in the workplace may seem like a tall order, the benefits are undeniable for employers and employees alike: higher productivity, retention, and overall job satisfaction could do wonders for your company or organization. Additionally, flexibility is something that top talent is seeking out more than ever before. And remember, implementing flexibility doesn’t mean throwing out your corporate rulebook; just adjusting it in order to modernize your office. The world of work is constantly changing. Are you ready to change with it?
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