Flexibility in the workplace? I know what you’re thinking…staff having unwarranted days off, affected productivity levels and isolated staff in dormant workplaces. Seems like chaos, right?! Well it isn’t...when done right! Constantly advancing in the digital age, the workplace doesn’t quite resemble it's old self. A lot has changed and continues to change. Whether you’re a traditional or unorthodox practice, there is always work to be won and done. You will always have competitors and sometimes you will win work whilst others you will lose. It’s simply the nature of the business.
Incorporating flexibility into the workplace is key to maintaining a healthy working environment as we’re constantly busy both in working environment and in our personal lives. Constantly multi-tasking, we spend most of our waking hours in our workplaces. Staff desire flexibility. Whether this transcends into their working schedule, their timetable, working hours and their space, this is truly the way forward.
Why increase workplace flexibility?
Whether you think you have a great working culture or you’re in dire need of restructuring, incorporating flexibility into your workplace may just help you achieve that optimized healthy environment. Making your workplace a place where your employees actually want to work.
Devising a flexibility strategy entails analyzing your team and seeing what works best. For years we have believed the myth that if we allow staff to work from home they won’t be as productive, but that’s quite the opposite. Working within a comfortable space in which they feel calm and have room for a flexible routine allows for optimum productivity. They can go at their own pace and fulfill other commitments which doesn’t detract from their work. Happier staff work better. This may sound cliche but it’s the simple truth. Working in the same environment day in and day out can become uninspiring and dull. Therefore allowing staff to change their working environment from time to time is more beneficial than you think.
The implementation of flexibility can also reduce stress and pressure which affects our mental health and wellbeing. No matter where you work, this should always be made a priority. If staff are able to have a flexible working structure, this will lead to more relaxed, satisfied staff members who will begin to have and develop a healthier work/life balance. Let’s be honest, most of us don’t want to spend most our time in the office, glued to our screens. We’d rather spend part of it with our loved ones, families, pets and doing things we love. This creates a balanced life where we’re able to have lives outside the working environment. An actual social life you say…who would’ve thought! This develops a working culture with staff who are committed to the workplace, the vision of the practice and most importantly lead healthier lives. Why? Because wellness matters.
