Flexibility in the workplace is more than allowing your employees to take an hour off for a doctor’s appointment. It’s about giving your team a choice of how, when, and where they want to work.
Employees who have the opportunity to reduce their work hours or switch between traditional and non-traditional schedules can strike a better balance between work and their private lives. This may ultimately lead to greater job satisfaction, improved productivity, and reduced employee turnover.
According to research from Gartner, nearly 45% of employees say that flexible working hours are the key driver of productivity.
In this article, we’ll explore the most prominent benefits of flexible workplaces and how companies can maintain high levels of engagement in the modern work environment.
Understanding the Importance of Workplace Flexibility
If your business hasn’t thought about implementing flexible work schedules, maybe it’s time to rethink your stance on the subject. As the face of the workforce changes, the majority of employees are demanding more flexibility from employers to accommodate their increasingly divergent lifestyles and desires.
According to a survey from Owl Labs, more than 70% of participants say that working from home makes them happier. The same survey also found that 1 in 2 workers would not return to a job that doesn’t offer a work-from-home option.
Higher employee retention is only one of the major reasons why companies should consider creating a flexible work environment. Other reasons include:
- Ability to diversify the team: In a flexible workplace, your company can fill empty positions much faster. By hiring talent outside of your city, state, or even country, you can expand your reach and introduce new talent to your team.
- Lower operational costs: Giving your employees the option to work from the comfort of their homes on a flexible work schedule can increase your bottom line. For example, you might be able to move to a smaller, less expensive office space to reduce spending. If your employees already have the necessary hardware, you might also save on buying new equipment and tools.
- Better customer retention: With the ability to hire employees faster and across numerous geographic locations, you might be able to provide better services to your customers at a reduced cost. International teams working in flexible shifts and across different time zones may allow you to provide your services and support round the clock. This may also help you acquire more customers and expand your business.
5 Key Benefits of Building a Flexible Workplace Culture
Flexible working environments could be the key to unlocking new levels of productivity, efficiency, and creativity in your team. While many companies are still hesitant to allow their employee to work fully remote due to productivity concerns, the data says otherwise.
Research from Owl Labs suggests that productivity concerns are a myth, adding that 75% of employees are the same or more productive while working from home. In addition to that, more than 70% of employees agree that companies should set “core hours” where they would be required to be present and work on their schedule for the remainder of the workday.
If you’re still not sold on the idea of flexible workplaces, let’s explore the five key benefits of giving your employees the freedom to organize their own time at work.
1. Happier Workforce
A happy employee is a productive employee. People who feel good about themselves and their work, who are valued, challenged, and rewarded are motivated to extend themselves on behalf of the company.
In contrast, when employees feel undervalued or under-appreciated, they tend to put less effort into their work, which can ultimately threaten a company’s profitability.
The most valuable help you can give people with respect to their personal lives is just listening. Ask them how things are going and be ready to act if they’re unhappy.
2. Improved Company Culture
Some of your employees may thrive in social in-office environments while others may be more productive while working from the comfort of their homes.
Implementing a flexible work schedule may allow you to cater to the needs of different types of employees. This can have a direct impact on the overall company culture.
Team building events have proven to be an effective method for building and maintaining a positive work atmosphere.
Here are a few examples of excellent team building events that were designed to keep people motivated, engaged, and connected in flexible work environments:
- Corporate Survivor: This high-energy team building event based on the popular TV show is great for teams who work in fast-paced environments. Their strategic thinking and collaboration skills will be put to the test with unique physical and mental challenges.
- Sand Sculpting: Give your team a morale boost with a fun and exciting sandcastle building experience. Your team will be guided by our professional sand sculptors on how to design and build a sand tower.
- Virtual Music Festival: Your team will get an all-access pass to seven different virtual music stages where they’ll be able to discover various acts, take photos and videos, and participate in music-related trivial challenges.
3. Reduced Absenteeism
Employee absenteeism can be costly for companies. Based on a report from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), absenteeism costs employers more than $2 billion, in addition to lost productivity.
Flexible working hours may benefit both the company and the employee. When given the freedom to set their work schedules, employees request fewer off days and are more engaged with their work.
Employees are less likely to call in sick if they have to tend to personal matters. They’ll usually call in to let management know that they will be late rather than skipping work.
4. Increased Productivity
Productivity is an important factor to consider when giving employees more flexibility in how they work. Gartner reports that 43% of employees say that flexible working hours allowed them to improve their productivity. In addition to that, 30% also stated that not having to travel to work allowed them to be more productive.
The data speaks for itself.
5. Attract More Talent
The Great Resignation is still in full effect and workplace flexibility is one of the main aspects employees are looking at when considering to stay or leave. Companies offering flexible working arrangements may also have an advantage in the job market.
Employees might be more inclined to apply for jobs with companies that offer flexibility, expanding their reach on the job market. Your company might become attractive to people who would have otherwise never considered applying for a job at your company.
Final Thoughts
Even though many companies are still hesitant to let employees choose how, when, and where they want to work, recent reports suggest that flexible workplaces deliver more advantages than downsides.
Some of the most prominent benefits include improved employee retention, higher engagement levels, and an increase in productivity.
Team building events complement these benefits and can help organizations improve the overall company culture. Reach out to TeamBonding to explore customized team building activities or browse through our growing list of interactive and engaging events.
