More and more companies are implementing a flexible work policy. Flexible working has quickly moved from utopia to reality. Telecommuting, flexible working hours, etc. This new work organization does not only benefit the employees. It also benefits employers. Here are the main advantages of a flexible work policy for your company.
What is a flexible work policy?
A flexible work policy usually includes several modes of work organization. It is the result of an agile adaptation of organizations. When we talk about a flexible work policy, we are referring to the modes or options that can be chosen or adapted according to the specificities of each company and its strategy. A flexible work policy can include:
- Partial or complete telecommuting
- Part-time work
- Flexible working hours
- The 4-day week
There is no one flexible work policy. There are as many as there are organizations, because employees can be offered one or more forms of flexible work with a particular frequency and scope.
The popular conception postulates that a flexible work policy only benefits employees, yet on closer inspection, flexible work also has benefits for employers. Let’s take a closer look.
To strengthen the well-being of employees
Giving employees more autonomy to manage their time has a positive impact on their job satisfaction. Numerous studies suggest that employees work better when they have a say in where and when they work. They are more involved in their daily tasks and activities simply because they feel more valued by the company.
In the same way, telecommuting avoids having to spend time in transportation. This reduces the amount of time spent in transportation and the stress that goes with it. And even in the case of flexible working hours, when teleworking is not an option, employees benefit; they can avoid rush hour traffic. Not only does commuting to work become much less time-consuming, but employees can more easily manage family life by dropping off or picking up children from school, for example. And when well-being is improved, productivity is positively impacted.
To boost productivity
Granted, the equation doesn’t seem obvious and many employers will be reluctant to accept the idea. “But it’s true,” to paraphrase Galileo. Flexible working is good for productivity. Working from home or with flexible hours saves employees time spent on public transportation or on the road during rush hour. And those saved hours can be reused for work or rest. More sleep and less stress leads to better productivity as well. When you put the equation together, every time, a worker who benefits from work flexibility is potentially more productive than one who does not.
To boost your brand image and attract talent
Hybrid work arrangements have become a key element in attracting new talent. Like flexible work arrangements, they have become an important element of effective recruitment. Today’s talent is increasingly concerned with their well-being, and companies that want to attract them would benefit from improving work-life balance through flexible working arrangements.
Offering flexible work can be a decisive argument when it comes to finding new talent. Some candidates are particularly concerned about working conditions. If you find their profile interesting, being able to offer them a flexible work policy can make the difference. This contributes to your employer brand.
To reduce turnover and absenteeism
When an employer implements a flexible work policy, it reduces the risk of employees getting sick and taking time off work. This is a win-win situation for the company. Furthermore, employees who benefit from a flexible working policy are much less tempted to change companies. They don’t see the point in going elsewhere when their employer provides these kinds of benefits.
Not only does the flexible work policy reduce turnover, but it also increases employee commitment and loyalty. In this sense, it reduces presenteeism at work. Presenteeism is negative for productivity, and worse, it also leads to additional costs for the company, not to mention its impact on occupational health expenses, which is significant.
With a flexible work policy, you reduce your individual costs and improve the physical and mental health of your employees.
To increase employee creativity and autonomy
For creative people, a change of location can be stimulating. Working from your terrace, on a sunny day, can also be an excellent source of inspiration. Coworking can also be very stimulating for those who need to evolve in different work environments in order to be stimulated. Indeed, meeting new people, overcoming the daily routine or evolving within a different work group are solutions that can boost the creativity of employees.
Flexible work schedules are a blessing for creatives. Some find inspiration in the evening while others are more inspired when they get up. Flexible hours that give them autonomy are great for creatives
An asset for diversity
Generally, applications for recruitment are concentrated on a limited geographical area. This can be an obstacle to diversity in companies. With telecommuting, for example, it is possible to recruit employees from all over the country and even across borders. This is a great opportunity to collaborate with professionals from all horizons and to stimulate innovation and creativity.
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