5 Tips to Successfully Introduce a Flexible Schedule in the Workplace

Flexibility is the hypernym used to categorize the breaking of traditional work schedules — whether it's the five-day work week, 40 hour work week, or the time honored in-office employee.

More so than ever before, workers are finally feeling in control of their work-life destiny. 

HOW TO IMPLEMENT A FLEXIBLE WORPLACE SCHEDULE

When mobilizing talent for your company, don’t take for granted the effectiveness of offering a satisfying work-life balance. This type of arrangement offers employees the freedom they desire while also facilitating productivity and structural competence for your business. 

Additionally, a flexible work schedule policy is an economical means of making your compensation package more attractive. 

For job seekers, the axiom “less is more” is starting to make sense. For example, studies show that millennial workers aged 25 to 40 are more willing to take less pay in exchange for more freedom and flexibility.

In the past, employees were willing to work themselves to the bone with strict 9 to 5 jobs that left very little time for enjoying life on the side. Nowadays, employees are starting to see a work-to-live and not live-to-work attitude and are starting to prefer a freer and more flexible schedule rather than a larger salary. 

PROVEN TIPS TO SUCCESSFULLY INTRODUCE A FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE IN THE WORKPLACE 

Here are 5 of the most highly recommended tips for introducing a flexible workplace schedule:

1. Ask workers about their expectations.
2.  Start with a trial pilot program.
3.  Organize proficient communication.
4.  Frequently analyze and make adjustments.
5.  Provide employees with the proper tools.

1. Ask Workers About Their Expectations 

Before anything else, it’s important to identify viable options to determine what your employees need. This will help get things out in the open and expose possible setbacks.

Ask employees what they expect from a flexible work arrangement. Hand out questionnaires, assemble focus groups, and inspire participants to be forthcoming and honest.  

If your staff and colleagues sense that their viewpoints are being taken into consideration, they are more likely to be accepting of progressive ideas. 

2. Start With a Trial Pilot Program 

After exploring various solutions, conferring with personnel, and weighing which options to implement in your flexible work policy, it’s time to give it a trial run. Your pilot program should focus on each staff member separately and last around 3 to 4 weeks, or even longer if necessary. 

It’s important to test your newly devised flexible work policy on a specific work group or department prior to expanding the program to the entire company. Encourage employees to provide feedback. Tweak the program until it’s an ideal fit for your staff and company.

3. Organize Expert Communication 

If you find that your customized work program is ineffective and there seems to be a lack of enthusiasm from employees, there’s likely a communication flaw. Without good communication, there’s no way to accomplish your company goals successfully or maintain a productive workforce.

Instant messaging is unique in that it’s a text message exchange mechanism that communicates in real time. Various instant messaging tools like Chanty, Slack, Zoho Cliq, and heavy hitters like WhatsApp are popular IM tools utilized in businesses for communication purposes.

Being able to communicate quickly with your employees allows for faster response times and better performances as problems and issues are discovered and handled early on.  

4. Frequently Analyze and Make Adjustments 

When introducing a flexible schedule in the workplace, leave room for adjustments. In fact, you can be sure that with time, modifications will be required.

Likewise, a flexible work arrangement can be amended or nullified if productivity becomes inadequate, staff is scarce, job requirement changes, or there is consistent negative feedback.  

Bear in mind that the measures utilized in reworking or terminating a flexible work arrangement should be as straightforward and comprehensive as when you initiated the program.

5. Provide Employees With the Proper Tools 

It is crucial to provide each worker with the necessary tools in order to work efficiently. Screen sharing tools, sophisticated remote assistance tools, and project management apps are a must. Discuss with your employees which tools they find most efficient.

If you employ staff from various parts of the world, your primary link to those workers will be based on the right tools to help maintain flexibility and keep things running smoothly.

Flexible Work Statistics 

According to global statistics from a leading online product comparison and review site:

• 22% of women specified that a flexible work arrangement is a high priority when job hunting, with women in the 36 to 45 age range more accepting of the arrangement.

• 73% of workers said that their work satisfaction increased due to a flexible work arrangement.

• 76% of personnel stated that they were more likely to remain in their current job if it included a flexible work schedule.

• 78% of college educated individuals preferred a flexible workplace.

• 87% of white-collar workers believed that having a flexible job lowers their stress levels, while 97% affirmed that a job that offers flexibility has a beneficial effect on the quality of their life overall.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Employees today seek a work-life balance. They desire employment that provides the flexibility to be with their families and also work independently on tasks without being distracted by colleagues.

In order to stay competitive with the best workers, boost productivity and sustain company excellence, it’s crucial to keep workers satisfied by implementing a flexible work schedule.