Flexibility in the workplace has tremendous value
Progressive organizations are already implementing various working arrangements
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The work world now allows for different ways of handling the work. Technology has given many people the ability to do their work differently, at different hours that suits their work/life balance which is key to a happy, productive, employee.
Those of us that have been in the work world for many years often began at a time when giving up whatever it takes to make your employer happy is what we did. Workers today, do not necessarily share this approach. Balance is the name of the game. It seems that younger workers have seen their parents struggling, working excessive hours and stressed, as a result, they are seeking a less taxing work life. Some leaders get stuck on the fact that they gave up their lives to the organization so why shouldn't their staff. Time to rethink!
Employee control and engagement in decision making in all aspects of their work is important, but especially when it comes to work/life balance. With flexible scheduling, employees like to feel some control of their work..one reason I always stress the importance of employee engagement. Flexibility is a simple way to improve morale while adding valuable time for client/customer service. When employees feel some control, loyalty increases as well as overall productivity.
Other benefits: According to A. Andros, the ability to extend customer service hours, improved employer reputation, less business disruption as well as cost effective due to savings related to office space and excessive business travel.
How do you begin to consider flexible work arrangements?
Truly be open to the concept. Avoid finding fault with change possibilities. More times than not, benefits far outweigh the possible obstacles.
Determine business needs, customer relations, methods of ensuring communication pieces among/across team members is in tact whether it be through technology chats and/or in person meetings.
Include employees in your brainstorming so all understand the goals and issues while identifying how flexibility can enhance a business.
Consider all positions a possibility, then by process of elimination due to function , you will easily see the positions that require specific location, specific time requirements. |
So what needs to be considered as Leaders of flexible working arrangements?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
No longer is "managing" people the focus but rather "leading" people is necessary. Leaders inspire and motivate, while monitoring performance standards on a regular basis. Leaders need more than ever to ensure that performance management, clear delegation strategies and communications remain open and clear.
Traditional "manager types" will not be successful without investing in training and sustaining strategies to ensure "leadership" skills are gained and application of skills are in tact will be important.
Determine what you need to consider through http://www.hrwebsource.com/hiring-and-retaining-the-best/ and http://www.hrwebsource.com/performance-management-leadership-and-organization-development-practices/
Clients that effectively implement flexibility do the ground work. JBM works through the details of the organization goals, primary focus, mission and key aspects of the culture that need to be worked through. Beyond that, identifying how flexibility can work rather than restrictions are the focus for each position type.
Take the time to ensure your workforce is working SMARTER...NOT....HARDER! |
| Be open...take your leadership and strategies of effectively running your organization to the next level!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
|
