Flexible Working Overview
Updated: Nov 22
Author: Laurene Ekladious
Date of Publication: 17/02/2023
Flexible work offers both employers and employees some advantages and drawbacks. Benefits of flexible work arrangements include greater flexibility, lower real estate costs, higher productivity and greater job satisfaction. However, what about the pros and cons of flexible work schedules? There are some potential drawbacks of telecommuting too. What's remote work can lead to issues with team cohesion, communication and data security.Overview: What is flexible working?
Flexible working can be defined as a type of work organization that allows employees to choose where and when they work. Moreover, It can take the form of flexible hours, telecommuting, or a combination of both.
In particular, employees can choose their work schedule based on their personal and professional needs. This allows employees to better manage their time and stress. In addition, some benefits of a flexible schedule include:
better management of personal and professional obligations,
a major recruiting asset,
reduced stress and fatigue,
better work-life balance, and
greater commuting flexibility.
Some Limitations of Flexible Working
However, there are also drawbacks to this type of work organization.
Decreased sense of belonging to the company due to lack of contact between team members
There might be a decrease in cohesion between members
It is difficult for managers to monitor employee performance from a distance
There is an increased risk of sensitive data being compromised if it is not properly protected
Flexible scheduling can be uncomfortable or complex for some employees to manage
Flexibility can lead to decreased communication between employees
Moreover, there are also challenges associated with this type of work arrangement. These include:
lack of supervision,
potential for inefficiencies
decreased quality and communication,
time-consuming cultural change,
risk of employee alienation from decision-making processes,
increased complexity and security issues,
challenges of coordination between remote and in-office workers, and
the need for training in the technologies required for remote work.
Therefore, it's important for employers to consider all aspects of what is involved when implementing a flexible work model. The goal is to ensure its success.
Is it good to use flexible working?
In conclusion, this flexible working overview offers an insight of the many benefits for both employees and employers.
Employees benefit from a better work-life balance, as well as more flexibility to meet their personal obligations and interests.
They can take advantage of modern work models, such as flexible hours or partial or full telecommuting
This way they improve their attractiveness to potential candidates.
On the other hand, there are also drawbacks associated with flexible work.
It can be difficult for a company to visualize and understand all the issues and impacts of flexible work.
Employees may be tempted to abuse the system or be less productive. This happens when employees are allowed to choose their own schedules,
Therefore, it is important that companies find the time to carefully evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of flexible work before adopting it. In any case, hybrid working is the best solution. This is because it combines remote working with on-site working. For example, some people work 3 days at the office and two from home. Doesn't it sound perfect?
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Reference List
Advantages of flexible working hours
Flexible hours - Advantages and Inconvenient