Today offering only a competitive compensation package may not be sufficient to attract and retain workers. Many of them are looking out for superior engagement and work-life balance, including flexible work facilities. Unfortunately, many entrepreneurs fear that by embracing flexible work arrangements, they will lose control, productivity will fall, and their investment in physical infrastructure will go to waste. While it is true that flexible work arrangements may not work for every business, but for many, it can lead to enhanced productivity and employee satisfaction. Eric J Dalius takes a brief look at the various ways in which businesses can offer flexible working to employees
Remote Working
Freedom to work out of the office is one of the most desired perks. The business can allow employees to telecommute on all or some of the days of the week. The schedule can be of the employees choosing or the company’s wish. Businesses can even offer it as a facility to be used for the days when the weather is severe or there are traffic jams that can make commuting difficult. Employees will appreciate that even if they are allowed to work offsite on all days, they may still be required to come to the office for meetings, training, or other requirements. The facility of offering flexible locations suits the business too as it can now hire talent living in faraway locations.
Flexible Work Schedules A Big Escape from the Boring Routine, Says Eric Dalius
Instead of everyone having to follow the set nine-to-five weekday routine, you can permit employees to choose something that works better for them though the employer may want to specify certain core hours when everyone has to be present in the office. Alternatively, they can be allowed to work the required number of hours every week by spreading their work schedule as convenient to them. For example, a 40-hour week can be covered by an employee in just four days leaving him with an extended weekend to pursue his hobbies. To ensure some order, companies may allow employees to change their schedules once in three or six months so that they know which employees will be available on which day and hours, observes EJ Dalius.
Job Sharing
Though less common, job sharing works out very well for both employees and employers in certain situations when a particular job profile requires a full-time employee but there is no availability of people with the right talent. Instead, it may be possible to hire two people, both working for part of the day, to fill that role. This arrangement is ideally suited for industries that need to source job applicants from special groups like seniors, students, or even working mothers. While, employers might be able to save on employee benefits and overheads, managing and coordinating two people working on the same job can be taxing.
Conclusion
Businesses are increasingly waking up to the fact that employee job satisfaction is no longer limited to the pay package but more towards a proper work-life balance. Providing employees with flexible work arrangements can contribute greatly to better job satisfaction.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
Speak Your Mind