07. Embracing Flexibility: How flexible work arrangement lead to increased motivation

 Embracing Flexibility: How flexible work arrangement lead to increased motivation


As employees desire a better work-life balance and a more flexible workplace, flexible work arrangements are becoming more and more crucial in today's workforce. These agreements are important for a number of factors, and they may benefit organizations and employees alike.

Flexible working conditions can aid businesses in luring and keeping top personnel. Organizations can build a more desirable workplace that values their employees' needs and wishes by allowing employees to work from home or change their hours. Due to their improved ability to manage their personal and professional life, employees may see a rise in job satisfaction, engagement, and productivity.


Understanding Flexible Work Arrangements

The phrase "flexible work arrangements" describes a number of options that enable employees to alter their work locations and hours in order to better suit their individual needs and preferences. These contracts acknowledge that working in a physical office with set hours is no longer a need for employment. They enable employees to design their work environments in a way that improves productivity and work-life harmony.

 

Enhanced Motivation through Flexibility

  • Reduces stress and burnout

Employees often experience high levels of stress at work, especially while working longer hours. A healthy work-life balance can be hampered by the weight of work, longer hours of meetings, and increased workload. This is likely to cause emotions of tiredness, which in turn will cause burnout.  Employees' perspectives of their work may be seriously harmed by their lack of control over it.

Working flexibly can help combat this and perhaps prevent work-related stress and burnout. It is simpler to manage and achieve a better work-life balance when employees have more control over their employment. It can support the development of a much healthier lifestyle for your staff as a stress reliever.  Employees that are in good health have better concentration and are ultimately more productive. 

  • Improved Work-Life Balance

Flexible work schedules can make workers feel valued and trusted by their employer. Offering flexible work schedules demonstrates an employer's confidence in their staff's ability to balance work and personal obligations. This could contribute to fostering a supportive work atmosphere where employees feel respected and valued, which would boost job satisfaction.

Employers can show they care about their staff's wellbeing and foster a more uplifting workplace culture by establishing flexible work arrangements. The organization as a whole could ultimately profit from greater employee engagement, productivity, and retention as a result of this.

Together, let's increase the well-being and output of our workforce and provide all employees with a better work-life balance.

  • Increased Autonomy

Employees typically have more autonomy and control over their work under flexible work arrangements. Employees are free to plan their workdays according to their preferences rather than being constrained by rigid schedules and company rules. As a result of feeling more invested in and accountable for the results of their work, employees may become more motivated. Additionally, workers are more likely to be content with their occupations and stay with their employers for a longer amount of time if they perceive that their employers respect and trust them.

 

  • Reduce sick days and turnover

Any other workplace strategy falls short when it comes to managing stress. Working strict hours gives little room for unforeseen events, which ultimately leads to missing work. Having access to health care lessens the stress that may cause workers to take numerous sick days.

Employees that are happy and healthier likely to stay with a company longer. Employee loyalty is cultivated when they feel valued and trusted by management, and when their demands are met. As a result, the business saves time and money by having lower total employee turnover rates.

 

Benefits for Employers



  • A reduction in overheads

Working from home or even in a co-working facility can significantly cut down on travel time and expenses. A shorter commute can also have a lot of positive effects, such as lowering stress levels and making you less likely to be late (perhaps because your flexible arrangements allow you to commute outside of peak hours and therefore minimize your route time).

Because less office space, equipment, and staff travel is needed, flexible working for your organization might result in lower costs and overhead.

  • Increased productivity

An employee may be more likely to start work earlier and stay later if they have the option to work remotely from home because they save time on their commute. The productivity of over two-thirds (60%) of HR directors has increased, highlighting the advantages of flexible work schedules for businesses.

Many employees put in more effort than ever to get results because they are aware of the necessity to demonstrate their ability to work from home and support the arrangement. Additionally, flexible working encourages job satisfaction among your staff, which can result in significant gains in output and effectiveness.

  • Increased creativity

Happy, motivated employees are likely to be appreciative of flexible working hours, be more likely to interact with their organization, and be more likely to contribute positively.

Flexible work schedules might inspire professionals to be more creative and "think outside the box." When they do arrive at work, some individuals might become more engaged and eager to provide original ideas. These might have to do with ongoing projects, work processes, or workplace culture generally.

 

  • Easy of management

Employees who are willing to work flexibly will try to create as little disruption as possible, reducing the amount of manager input required.

Additional options for flexible working may become available if employees can demonstrate they are simple to manage during a non-standard shift. Professionals typically just carry on with their work; they will be heard from when they need to collaborate with coworkers or seek supervisor approval.

Challenges and Mitigation


  • Slowed Speed Of Career Advancement

The rate at which individuals advance their careers in a remote environment vs in the office is another frequent issue that came up in our interactions with clients. Managers are concerned that the lack of possibilities for hands-on cross-training may hinder the rate of professional advancement for their workforce.

The similar issue came up in a recent Tenant Talk meeting that Aura held with accounting industry executives. As they strive to bridge the physical and the digital in the future office, discussions were held about leadership's responsibility in guaranteeing equal growth possibilities for people working remotely and those in the office. 

  • Part-time working is the most difficult form of flexible working

First, compared to some other types of flexible working, such as remote working and flexy time, part-time work is frequently a more challenging form to implement.

Not only does working part-time require a modification to the legal contract of employment, but when an employee transitions from full-time to part-time employment, there are also practical challenges in determining an adequate workload and in establishing expectations of availability.

  • Corporate Culture Erosion

According to LinkedIn research that was reported in HR magazine, 39% of C-level executives indicated they think remote working during the epidemic has already harmed or weakened business culture. Without the numerous watercooler conversations, lunch and learns, and company activities that would involve everyone in the office, our clients are discovering that they must deal with another fear: losing the cohesive corporate culture that makes them special. Through internet tools like Slack that enable teams stay connected, communicate key company values, and celebrate achievements, efforts have been made to preserve corporate culture. Management teams worry, however, that as time goes on, because so much of their company exists in the digital realm, it may become more difficult for them to distinguish out from the competition.

  • Unreliable and untrustworthy employees

The fact that not all of your staff members can be relied upon to complete their duties is one of the issues you could run into while implementing workplace flexibility. While some people may take advantage of this chance to get better at what they do, others will undoubtedly use it as an excuse to be idle and do nothing. You won't be able to take action to stop your staff from being slack and inept because you won't know what they are doing precisely. Instead of the rise that would often be anticipated from implementing a flexible working arrangement, this particular issue will result in a fall in productivity. This is why it's critical to take steps to ensure that staff are completing their work rather than wasting their time on pointless activities.

  • A decrease in human relation and interaction

Flexibility in the workplace may cause a split among the staff of a particular organization. This means that there won't be any interaction between coworkers since people will be able to work from anywhere they wish, including from the comfort of their homes.

Implementing Flexible Work Arrangements


  • Clear policies and guidelines

Describe the different flexible work arrangements you offer, together with any requirements for eligibility and any restrictions or conditions for workers who want to request flexible working. To ensure these rules continue to be effective, they should be made plain to all employees and periodically reviewed.

  • Effective communication and technology tools

To enable efficient collaboration and information exchange, it is essential to invest in dependable communication and technological solutions. Employers should give workers the resources and tools they need to work flexibly, remotely, or after regular business hours. This covers tools for video conferencing, project management programs, and safe access to business systems.

  • Training and development opportunities

It is crucial to provide training and development opportunities for workers who are employed under flexible conditions. Companies should give employees the tools and assistance they need to build critical abilities like time management, self-motivation, and online collaboration. People can adjust to the shifting nature of the workplace with the support of regular training sessions and mentoring programs.

  • Monitoring and evaluation mechanisms

By putting monitoring and evaluation systems in place, flexible work arrangements are made to be efficient and in line with organizational objectives. Managers and their staff will be able to monitor progress, identify areas for improvement, and make required adjustments to optimize results with the help of regular check-ins, performance reviews, and feedback sessions.

Conclusion

Flexible work arrangements have transcended the realm of trendy workplace options; they've become essential components of modern work culture. By recognizing the diverse needs of employees and providing them with the flexibility to balance their personal and professional lives, organizations can drive motivation, productivity, and job satisfaction to new heights. As businesses embrace flexibility, they unlock the potential for a more engaged and motivated workforce that thrives in an environment tailored to individual needs.


REFERENCES







  • www.linkedin.com. (n.d.). How Flexible Work Arrangements Can Improve Employee Well-being and Productivity. [online] Available at: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-flexible-work-arrangements-can-improve-employee#:~:text=When%20an%20employer%20offers%20flexible [Accessed 28 Aug. 2023].





Comments

  1. Well described. Further ,the most popular type of flexible work arrangements is working from home, which allows humans to work full-time from their residence. Other examples include a shorter workweek, job sharing, and telecommuting. Employees can better match their work hours with their personal obligations thanks to these arrangements, which take into account each individual's needs.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're absolutely right! Working from home and other flexible work arrangements can greatly improve work-life balance by accommodating employees' personal needs and schedules.

      Delete
  2. Hi Gayan, This article effectively emphasizes the value of embracing flexible work arrangements as a catalyst for heightened motivation. By delving into the advantages of accommodating employees' individual needs, it underscores how such flexibility translates into increased dedication and enthusiasm. The insights provided highlight the positive correlation between offering flexible options and the resulting boost in employees' motivation levels. This dynamic shift toward embracing flexibility aligns well with contemporary work trends and employee preferences.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Nicely explained. Additionally, one of the widely adopted forms of flexible work arrangements is remote work, enabling individuals to fulfill their job responsibilities entirely from their own homes. This is accompanied by various other options, such as compressed workweeks, job sharing, and telecommuting. These arrangements effectively enable employees to harmonize their work hours with personal commitments, catering to the unique demands of each individual. The array of possibilities ensures a more tailored approach to work-life integration, fostering enhanced job satisfaction and well-being.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Absolutely! Remote work and other flexible arrangements offer a personalized approach to work-life integration, enhancing job satisfaction and overall well-being.

      Delete
  4. This in-depth analysis of flexible work arrangements demonstrates the numerous advantages they offer both to employees and businesses. It is obvious how these arrangements help to improve work-life balance, motivation, and productivity.

    I'm interested in learning how the banking sector in Sri Lanka has adopted or incorporated flexible working hours. Have there been any particular difficulties or examples of adoption of such arrangements in that situation?

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi Gayan, Insightful overview of flexible work arrangements! How can organizations effectively communicate and implement such arrangements to reduce stress, enhance work-life balance, and foster a more motivated and engaged workforce?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Nilantha! Effective communication and implementation of flexible work arrangements can be achieved through clear policies, regular updates, and providing training and support for employees. Creating a culture that values work-life balance and actively seeks feedback from employees can also play a crucial role in reducing stress and promoting motivation and engagement.

      Delete
  6. This article really hits the nail on the head! Embracing flexible work arrangements has been a game-changer for me personally. The ability to tailor my work schedule to my life's demands not only boosts my motivation but also enhances my overall job satisfaction. It's incredible how a little flexibility can go a long way in fostering a positive work environment.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm glad to hear that flexible work arrangements have made a positive impact on your work-life balance and job satisfaction! Indeed, a little flexibility can make a big difference.

      Delete
  7. A well written article. Flexible work schedules are now more than just hip office perks; they are crucial elements of contemporary business culture.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for your comment! You're absolutely right; flexible work schedules have become essential in today's business culture.

      Delete
  8. Excellent Article!! In addition to the points you've provided, Human resource specialists must build a workforce that is motivated to perform in a high-quality manner as a key component of the planning effort. Human resource professionals can use a variety of strategies to motivate their employees. Flexible employment arrangements are one approach. Alternative work schemes are provisions made available by employers to employees to allow them to work outside of the usual weekday (McNall, Masuda, and Nicklin, 2010). Do you believe that the most empowering benefit for employees is flexibility?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for your comment! Flexibility is indeed a valuable benefit for employees, and it can significantly contribute to their job satisfaction and motivation. However, the most empowering benefit can vary from person to person, depending on their unique needs and circumstances.

      Delete


  9. As organization when they arrange the flexible work how does it helps to improve their work life balance?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Flexible work arrangements can significantly improve work-life balance by allowing employees to adapt their work schedules to better align with their personal commitments and responsibilities. This balance, in turn, promotes overall well-being and job satisfaction.

      Delete
  10. Thank you for your comment and your interest in the banking sector in Sri Lanka. The banking sector has indeed adopted flexible working hours to some extent, especially in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. While it has improved work-life balance for many, there have been challenges in ensuring security and data protection in remote work environments. Balancing these concerns with the benefits of flexibility is an ongoing process for banks in Sri Lanka.

    ReplyDelete

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