Why Companies Should Embrace The Flexible Workplace Trend

The concept of a flexible workplace is not necessarily a new one, but the number of companies choosing to embrace it is. Innovations in technology have made the idea of a flexible workplace more and more attainable, with a bricks and mortar office no longer necessary to bring together a team.

Despite the many obvious benefits of adopting a more flexible workplace culture, many companies are still opting to keep in line with more traditional models. The reason isn’t that they don’t see the upside, but it is that many organisations do not trust their employees to get the job done at home. This feeling of mistrust is reflected by the ⅕ of employees who report feeling that they need to be in the office to be ‘seen’ working by their superiors.

The demographic of employees seeking flexible workplaces are often still viewed as mostly parents with young children, which is simply not the case. There is a diverse group of people, that is quickly growing, that are choosing to look for employers who offering more flexible workplace arrangements, and for a broad range of reasons.

Offering a flexible workplace makes for a more inclusive and considerate company culture, as it caters to people with disabilities or mobility concerns, family commitments and those living in rural areas. Such arrangements allow people to establish a work environment and schedule that meets both their needs and the needs of the company.

In addition to this, operating with flexibility has been known to attract high quality individuals and lifts any geographic restrictions placed upon the company when hiring. As a result companies who embrace this culture often operate with high performing teams, who are more productive as a result of better work-life balance.

If you’re company doesn’t want to go fully remote, but still offer some level of flexibility, the benefits can still be realised. Offering your employees the opportunity to work out of the office or adapt their work hours, whilst still maintaining a physical office space, encourages the same boost in productivity. This can also help lower the overhead costs of running the office, which in the long-term can be invested back into company development.

Looking at the bigger picture, the flexible working trend is doing good things for our society as whole. Remote workers results in less cars in the road, helping reduce the environmental impact of commuters and improve traffic conditions during peak hour. As well as this, flexible working arrangements offer older employees more choices when it comes to their involvement in the workforce. Studies show that older workers would be more open to taking on more hours and staying in the workforce for longer is more flexible options were available.

If getting on board with the flexible workplace trend is something that your company hasn’t considered, maybe they should. As technology progresses faster than we can keep up, the reality of what forms a workplace is quickly changing, and the results mean happier employees and a more productive team.

How To Build Your Business With The Best Staff

Finding the right staff when hiring can be tricky, so it’s important to showcase everything your company has to offer in order to attract the best people. In competitive markets it is the little things that matter to your potential employees, so take a look at these ideas below to make your company stand out from the crowd.

Find Out What The Going Rate Is And Match It

Whilst it is important to acknowledge that money isn’t everything, the salary you pay your employees is an important factor in attracting high quality staff to your business and keeping them there. It is not always common practice to display the salary offered, especially for any high-level executive roles. However, it is important to find out what your applicants expectations are and if they are in line with what you are offering.

Make Your Online Presence Known

Ensuring that your business can be found online is a key component of the recruitment drive. This doesn’t just mean that your job listing is visible across various online platforms, but that a prospect who is researching your company can find it online and has access to information about your brand, what you do, your company culture and anything else you may want to advertise to potential employees.

Lifestyle Is Key

The concept of work-life balance is one that is appealing to many full-time workers. Incorporating lifestyle as part of your recruitment offer will have broad appeal and give your company bonus points when hiring. Wellness programs are rising in popularity as employers strive to create a healthier workplace and encourage good habits among their staff. Such initiatives are also shown to reduce absenteeism and healthcare costs among staff. Another popular option is being open to flexible work arrangements. Employees who can find a balance between their personal life and work commitments tend to be more satisfied in the role, and this is reflected through higher productivity rates.

Foster A Positive Company Culture

Company culture has become somewhat of a buzz-word in the recruiting game over the past few years. The emergence of company culture and finding ‘a good cultural fit’ as a key part of the hiring process reflects our society’s desire to identify with the company they work for. This often means having shared values and direction. Young job-seekers especially place a high level of importance on corporate culture, seeking a workplace they are happy to spend 40+ hours of their week within.

Growth Growth Growth

Offering your employees opportunities for growth is key in both attracting and maintaining high quality team members. This can come in two forms, either through personal development and upskilling, or the opportunity for career advancement, raises and promotions. The former option is often at a low cost to the company but is valued by employees as it keeps their qualifications and knowledge relevant and up to date. The latter, is especially important to those coming in at an entry level position, or to those looking to propel their career forward. Many employees report becoming frustrated when there is little opportunity for an upward move within their company.

Recognise Your Employees Accomplishments

Recognising your employees achievements translates directly to increased morale in the workplace. Any initiatives which show employees that their contribution to the company is valued are important. This recognition does not have to be monetary, simply an acknowledgement of work well done is enough to show you care. On the recruitment front, WOM or public recognition of accomplishments can attract other high performing prospects to the company.

Embrace The Power Of The Team

Looking at your employees as a collective team is important in running a productive business with happy and high-performing members. Hiring people that are team players is important in maintaining workplace harmony. Utilising a hiring opportunity to fill gaps within your team is important, and pulling together too many team members with the same skills can cause tension due to overlapping responsibilities and competition for opportunities.

Encourage Employee Referrals

Data shows that people discover new employment opportunities through referral more than any other channel. Implementing a formalised employee referral program can encourage your team to bring in more like minded people into the company. Whilst paying recruitment bonuses can cost a little more than a job listing, ultimately the outcome is higher quality applicants.