What is flexible working and how does it impact the world of work?
Flexible working is a model that adapts working conditions to the needs of both employees and companies. Unlike traditional models, where schedules and tasks are rigid, this gambling data usa approach allows key aspects such as the place and time of work to be adjusted. The aim is to find a balance between work demands and personal needs. Thus, it is recognised that employee well-being directly influences their productivity.
This concept is not new. In the 1920s, Henry Ford introduced the 8-hour workday to improve productivity. Today, flexibility has evolved thanks to technology, which allows people to work from anywhere and adapt their schedules to their lives.
How is flexible working implemented?
Implementing flexible working requires a structured approach. It also involves a change in mindset for both employees and employers. Some common ways to do this include:
Flexible schedules : Allow employees to choose their start and end times, adapting them to their personal needs.
Teleworking : Offers the possibility of working from home or any other place outside the office.
Intensive working days or compressed weeks : Some companies concentrate working hours on certain days of the week, offering an additional day off.
Technological adaptations : Platforms such as Zoom, Slack and Trello facilitate remote work, ensuring that quality is not compromised.
The key to making this work is to create an environment of trust and open communication. It is also essential to measure results based on productivity and not hours worked.
Businesswoman with headset smiling during video conference.
Flexible working is transforming work and organisations that fail to adapt will risk being left behind in an increasingly competitive labour market.
Who is demanding labour flexibility?
Flexible working is a benefit for many workers, but younger people, especially millennials and Generation Z, are calling for it more. According to various surveys, 79% of these groups prefer flexibility over other work benefits. This preference reflects a new way of seeing work as part of a balanced lifestyle.
Parents also seek this flexibility to balance family and work life. On the other hand, flexibility makes it easier for people with disabilities to work, as it allows them to adapt their work environment. It also benefits older workers who want a gradual transition to retirement.
Benefits of flexible working for employees and companies
For employees
The benefits for employees are clear. First, it improves work-life balance. It also increases motivation and reduces stress. An employee who can organize his or her day around his or her personal responsibilities is usually more engaged and productive.
For companies
Organizations also benefit. Flexible working contributes to higher talent retention. In fact, companies that implement flexible policies have an 89% higher employee retention rate. This model therefore makes it possible to hire professionals from anywhere in the world, without geographical restrictions.
Spotify is a good example of this. In 2021, the company implemented its “Work From Anywhere” policy, which allows its employees to work from anywhere. This model has made it possible to attract global talent and improve productivity and job satisfaction.
Work flexibility as a necessity for the future of work
Flexible working is no longer a trend but a necessity. The pandemic accelerated its adoption and demonstrated that productivity does not depend on physical presence in an office, but on the results obtained. Consequently, companies that do not adapt to this new reality run the risk of being left behind in an increasingly competitive labour market.
Continue your professional training
If you are interested in being part of the solutions that companies require to adapt to these new ways of working, we recommend that you consider educational programs that help you lead change and manage teams in dynamic and flexible environments. An excellent option is our Master in Business Administration and Management (MBA) . This program will give you a comprehensive view of business management, with a focus on leadership, strategic decision-making, and adaptation to new technologies.
