Break the Routine with Flexible Working

Flexible working will continue to be encouraged in 2019. A PowWowNow survey revealed that 30% of the respondents taking part would choose flexible working hours over a pay rise. Out of the respondents who commute to work a staggering 66% felt stress or anxiety on a weekly basis. Flexible working has benefits and drawbacks for both employer and employee:

Benefits for employees

• Less time commuting – therefore reducing stress levels
• Better home life balance – team members can work around their own schedule
• Lower expenditure – save money on travel, lunches and childcare
• Increased feelings of personal control
• Reduces the chance of employee burnout

Drawbacks for employees

• Some employees work better in a structured environment
• Employees may not have the correct set up to work from home resulting in injury or pains
• The distinction between home and work may be lost resulting in increased stress levels and burnout
• Varied work hours can also result in poor team communication resulting in a hindrance of team goals being met

Benefits for employers

• Increased employee morale – employees feel more in control of their workload and therefore feel empowered
• Better staff retention flexible working can be used to adapt to the needs of the business as well as employees
• Employees work when they feel the ‘freshest’ – meaning team members are more productive during their chosen working hours
• The business is seen as a more desirable and family-friendly workplace – higher quality applicants for job openings

Drawbacks for employers

• Some managers struggle with the shift of working style – especially if they are micromanagers
• Some clients will not appreciate flexible working especially if they want to get hold of an individual who is not working ‘standard’ 9-5 hrs.
• Some team members may take advantage of flexible working as an opportunity to do household chores or look after the children instead of paying for childcare
• Team orientated departments need to have physical meetings

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