I have been to different working environment during all my working days. I have worked in differrnt atmosphere, as well as in differrnt time zone. There were a time when, the organization messes with employee attendance if they get late by few minutes. At the same there are organization who provides freedom to the employee. They just need results from the employee, no matter how the employee completes their tasks. There is life outside the office for each employee, and an employee should care about it rather than completelly indulging themselves into office jobs. This is what makes #worklife balance pretty important in everyone life.
(own edited image)
If I talk about my experince, there was a time when while handling my office works I manages all my personal activities at ease. But I also been to situation when I was unable to attend some important function at home that includes taking care of my Dad when he was hospitalised. There are situation, when managing all the Jobs are not easy neither they were in our hands. This is what makes a flexible worklife schedule very demanding among employee.
Flexibility in work life is crucial because it allows employees to adapt to changing situations, better manage personal commitments, and achieve a healthier work-life balance, ultimately leading to increased job satisfaction, productivity, and employee retention, while also making a company more competitive in attracting top talent by offering adaptable work arrangements. Here are some of the examples workplace flexibility:
Allowing employees to start and finish their workday at different times. They should not bounded by any fixed hours of incoming and outgoing.
The ability to work from home or another location outside of the traditional office. The company should be open to allow the employee to work accordingly. In many cases we have seen female employee granted WFH facility but when it comes to male employee the company gets rigid.
Working longer hours a few days a week to have more days off. Employees are not bunch of idiots who do not understand need to organisational goals. Allowing flexible hours may motivate them to work with full dedication.
Life outside flexible hours are very monotonous. Many people find themselves bounded by a strict routine. Following a fixed routine can be perfectly fine, as it can provide structure, reduce stress, and help you achieve goals by creating a sense of control over our day, but it is important to maintain some flexibility to adapt to unexpected situations and avoid feeling overly restricted. There are certain important considerations to follow
- Don't be afraid to adjust our routine when necessary due to unforeseen circumstances.
If our routine feels too rigid, make changes to accommodate our needs and energy levels.
While maintaining a core routine, include occasional spontaneous activities to prevent boredom.
Key points about why flexibility matters in work life:
Improved Work-Life Balance: Employees can adjust their schedules to accommodate personal needs like childcare, eldercare, or health appointments, reducing stress and improving overall well-being.
Enhanced Productivity: When employees have control over their work hours and location, they can work when they are most focused and productive, potentially leading to higher quality output.
Increased Employee Morale: Feeling valued and trusted by an employer who offers flexibility can boost morale and job satisfaction.
Talent Acquisition and Retention: Flexible work options are increasingly sought after by job seekers, making it a valuable tool to attract and retain top talent.
Adaptability to Change: A flexible workforce is better equipped to handle unexpected challenges or market shifts by adjusting work practices as needed.
Reduced Absenteeism: Employees with flexible schedules are less likely to miss work due to personal obligations.
Overall, flexibility is the key. A flexible work culture is important because it empowers employees to better manage their personal lives while maintaining productivity, leading to increased job satisfaction, improved employee retention, and a more competitive edge for companies by attracting top talent, all by allowing for adaptable work schedules and locations that cater to individual needs.