What Does a Flexible Work Schedule Really Mean?

Work flexibility is a top priority for job seekers across many industries. Thanks to remote technology, more businesses are able to implement flexibility into work schedules. However, employers still struggle to determine exactly what an ideal flexible work schedule looks like. Thankfully, Justworks conducted a survey of 47 small business owners and more than 300 small business employees to find out what workers really crave in a flexible arrangement.

Working Remotely

According to the Justworks survey, 70 percent of workers see flexibility as very important. In fact, more than 40 percent of employees would accept a 10 percent pay reduction for a position with work flexibility. One major aspect of this flexibility is the ability to work remotely, which allows employees to better balance work and family life.

While the benefits of remote work are obvious for workers, the practice also benefits employers, as a better work/balance creates less stress for employees, which in turn leads to increased productivity. Many businesses are already taking advantage of telecommuting, as 74 percent of companies already offer workers the chance to work remotely. However, 44 percent are concerned about the potential for employee abuse due to such flexible work policies.

Output vs. Hours Worked

The traditional work model measures the amount of work completed by hours spent in the office, but employers are now trending toward an output-based model. This allows for much more work flexibility, as many managers realize that getting the job done is more important than how or where employees complete their work. The focus on both productivity and flexibility makes this model a popular choice among businesses and employees alike.

Paid Time Off and Parental Leave

Paid time off is a classic benefit of a flexible work arrangement. Although not many employers see it as a productivity booster, PTO remains a high-value benefit for professionals. Workers may not take as many long vacations as they used to, according to the Justworks survey, but they still enjoy taking one or two days off here and there to balance out a busy work schedule. Paid parental leave is another major factor, although while nearly 50 percent of workers consider it very important, just over one-third have this benefit offered at their current jobs.

Clear Boundaries

From flexible hours to telecommuting and paid leave, managers should always set clear boundaries for work flexibility to keep things fair for both the employer and the employee. Workers should always ensure work flexibility arrangements are clearly set before accepting a job offer.

As the business landscape changes, the traditional work model has to change with it, trending toward more work flexibility and remote collaboration. Telecommuting, paid leave and an output-based work system are just a few factors that make up an attractive flexibility arrangement.

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