The Benefits of a Flexible Workforce

• October 31, 2019

Have you noticed as our work environments are changing to a more competitive, candidate driven market, agile and flexible working patterns are on the rise? As the work landscape changes rapidly, it’s important for employers not to get left behind when it comes to being open to the benefits of a flexible workforce, and here’s why.

Let’s face it, most of us now lead busier lives than ever before, and juggling career with family life has become the norm for many households. But the flexible workforce is growing rapidly, and it’s no longer just associated with working mums who have to do the school run. Studies show that across every demographic, a better work-life balance is becoming just as important a benefit to the modern employee as salary scale.

Developments in modern technology now enable working from home or places other than the typical office environment to be more effective and easier for employees to stay connected than ever before. Actually, flexible working has been creeping up on us all without us even noticing. For instance, how many times during your day are you already checking emails, answering and making calls and meeting clients and colleagues somewhere other than your desk? In every area of employment people are seeing positive changes in their work environment by becoming more adaptable, flexible and mobile.

And it’s not just within the business that benefits are seen, in fact, many clients and service users much rather prefer to meet for a coffee outside the office or find it more convenient to have a video call, skype or telephone meeting, to fit around their own commitments.

But what about results? Becoming more flexible with staff can not only benefit employees and end users, it can also bring many benefits to your business. Still not sure? Here are some examples:

Working when most productive yields better results – Everyone works differently. Studies show that when individuals are able to work at times they feel most productive, they achieve more, get more into ‘the flow’ and get more done.

Less distractions – How many times at work do you get distracted? Tea runs, overhead conversations, visitors coming in an out of the office all contribute to daily distractions. When employees can work in a space they feel less distracted, they are able to focus more and be more productive.

A more diverse and inclusive talent pool – How many excellent professionals are you missing out on adding to your workforce that might not otherwise be able to apply for their perfect role, due to outside commitments, disability or distance?

Reduction in travel time means increase in productivity time – How often on average does each member of your team take to travel to work and back? It all adds up. When co-workers are able to eliminate travel time they find they have more time to spend on their daily tasks.

A happier workforce! – When your employees are happier in their job due to less stress, a better work-life balance and more ability to focus, they are far more likely feel motivated, and to stay. This means higher retainment rates, less resources spent on retraining and job refilling, and a more stable work environment for the whole team.

If you’re excited by the prospect of a more flexible workforce, but not sure how to attract the right talent to your team, why not have a chat with one of our consultants for some professional advice? We’re always up for a coffee somewhere convenient 😊