In the workplace, workplace flexibility refers to giving employees the freedom to choose when, where, and how they participate in work-related initiatives and tasks. The terms ‘workplace flexibility,’ ‘independence,’ ‘work-life balance,’ ‘friendly culture,’ and ‘casual environment’ are frequently used.
Employers, on the other hand, frequently debate flexibility. Many businesses are apprehensive about their capacity to adopt a flexible work style while still maintaining high productivity and performance. At first glance, flexibility and high productivity appear to be mutually exclusive notions, which is why many companies are unwilling to alter the work environment or work style in any way that compromises the strictness or rigidity of processes and protocol.
Is it possible to strike a balance between flexibility and productivity? And, assuming that’s the case, how does flexibility affect efficiency and innovation? Many worries arise when discussing workforce flexibility, but it is a vital debate to address today since it has a significant impact on how firms recruit, hire, and retain talent.
Indeed, according to studies performed by Bayt.com, the Middle East’s leading job site, workplace aspects such as flexibility, work-life balance, and a welcoming culture are on the minds of the majority of job searchers today. Due to excessive procedures and bureaucratic structures, as well as the repetitive and uninspired work environment, an all-cubicle world and rigid work conditions frequently cause weaknesses in company culture, and, not to mention, these features can actually impair employee productivity and creativity levels. Some businesses are likely to tolerate such a culture, but they will not stand out because top talent is unlikely to choose to work in such an atmosphere.
Leading businesses understand that talent is critical to their success. You will need to establish and design a comfortable workplace in order to hire and retain the proper employees. Employees will feel more appreciated and valued if workplaces and cultures are tailored to their requirements. This will inspire them to perform at their best. If done correctly and successfully, everything in life benefits all parties involved. Flexibility is a two-way street in the same way that communication is. Employees that are trusted and given more independence at work value their flexible managers/employers much. As a result, employees will develop on this mindset and put forth their best effort to satisfy their manager’s objectives while remaining flexible with what is required of them.
Instead of just pleasing each other or avoiding punishment, employees will work hand-in-hand with their supervisors to achieve corporate goals. It doesn’t matter when, where, or how the work is done, which is a hard pill for some managers to swallow. Of course, this is true only if the employee performs their duties and tasks to the best of their ability and meets all deadlines and targets.
The following are some of the advantages of workplace flexibility:
1. Increased inventiveness
When a company meets their needs for flexibility, employees frequently become more enthused about their professions, feeling joyful and inspired. As a result, they are more likely to connect with their company and make a more significant contribution. Employees feel more motivated to think out of the box and beyond the box when they are satisfied and less bothered by the tight work environment. Furthermore, some people are more creative in diverse environments, which is why telecommuting might be advantageous.
- Improved client satisfaction and loyalty
Flexible working hours imply that someone is available outside of the usual 9-5 schedule. Customers may not be available to reach you during those hours, and as a result, they may lose contact with your firm. Customer service and loyalty improve with flexible work hours. Customers believe that your firm is readily available to address any complaints or questions they may have. Of course, with a customer-facing function, your organization will need to guarantee that the official business hours are covered, but this can be readily accomplished with your team’s support.
- An improved employer brand
Working time and environment flexibility might help you attract a larger pool of candidates while also retaining your talented staff. Some job searchers pay close attention to the work environment, culture, and mobility, and these factors may be the deciding factors in whether or not they join your organization. Similarly, your current employees want to be trusted and valued, and your workplace should always offer them the proper signals.
4. Workplace stress reduction
Commuting stress, which may be a major source of stress for workers, can be caused by long traffic jams and delays in public transportation. Employees believe that having control over their time decreases stress and allows them to do their tasks more efficiently.
When it comes to building their culture and workplace environment, today’s businesses must consider flexibility. When flexibility is implemented in the workplace in a balanced and well-managed approach, teamwork, efficiency, innovation, and productivity of an organization can all improve. Employers, on the other hand, are expected to have defined procedures in place with their employees to guarantee that both parties are performing the needed duties and tasks successfully and are ready to adapt to change.
Like the job market, lifestyles, and priorities evolve, so do choices for work arrangements in the MENA area. Employers in the region can use these insights to boost employee happiness and engagement while maintaining high production levels by adjusting to their employees’ wants and needs.