The Importance of Finding a Flexible Working Balance
There is no denying the importance and popularity of flexible working, and it’s something that a lot of workers strive for. This is because flexible working has a number of benefits, such as promoting a better work-life balance and boosting productivity. Back in 2014, legislation changed to grant every UK worker the right to request flexible working from their employer, as long as they had over 26 weeks of service behind them. With so many workers seeking flexible options at work, this is something that a lot of people eventually take advantage of.
The Benefits of Flexible Working
Since the pandemic, even more, companies are offering hybrid working opportunities and flexibility. This is becoming more commonplace as the years go on, and a growing number of companies are embracing remote working. Whereas a lot of employers used to think that being in the office was the most productive way for a person to work, this is no longer the case. Now, flexible working allows workers to achieve the same output and productivity from home. As long as the correct technology is in place, employees can successfully work remotely.
The benefits of a flexible working environment are vast, with both employers and employees benefiting. Workers can enjoy a better work-life balance and greater autonomy, whereas companies can benefit from improved productivity, reduced costs and a reduction in absent staff.
The Downsides of Having a Flexible Working Environment
The benefits of flexibility in the workplace far outweigh the downsides, but that’s not to say that there aren’t any. Some workers feel disconnected from colleagues when working remotely, and there is a lot less social interaction throughout the work day. Plus, managers can struggle to oversee an entire team of people when everyone is working from different locations, which could mean an extended work day due to more work needing to be done.
For flexible working to succeed, it’s important to find a balance for each employer and employee. Some people thrive when working remotely, whereas others prefer to be in a traditional office setting. Finding the right balance is the only way to notice the positive impact of the benefits, without the downsides having too much of an effect.
