Is workplace flexibility for you? Types, benefits, and challenges

The traditional model of the nine-to-five job might soon be a thing of the past. More employers are adopting working arrangements that could potentially increase efficiency, profit, and other key metrics. The last decade has seen a rise in progressive businesses that prioritise work-life balance with initiatives like remote working and compressed workweeks. Workplace flexibility has become a crucial factor for job satisfaction, with many major publications discussing its positive effects on employee productivity. 

So if you're interested in getting a job that truly aligns with your professional preferences and goals, learning more about this hot topic could be the key. In this article, we explain the ins and outs of ​flexibility at work​​​, including: 

• What is workplace flexibility? 
• Benefits of workplace flexibility 
• Examples of flexible work arrangements 
• Challenges of workplace flexibility 
• Conclusion 
• FAQs 

What is workplace flexibility? 

Workplace flexibility is the concept that employees can contribute positively without following a rigid schedule. Businesses that follow this practice often allow employees to complete their tasks outside of regular working hours or from the comfort of their homes. In doing so, employers signal that they trust their employees to perform their responsibilities without the need for excessive supervision. 

Studies have shown that job flexibility has a positive effect on employee well-being. According to a 2022 survey from A Great Place To Work, remote employees report better mental health than those who are fully on-site. Singaporean workers have also come to favour ​flexibility in the workplace​​​, with over 70% preferring remote work and 73% favouring hybrid work models. 

Benefits of a flexible workplace 

The popularity of flexible work arrangements is due to their physical and psychological advantages. Some of the main benefits include: 

• Better work-life balance: There's often a clear divide between working hours and free time for professionals working in traditional job models. And for many, it can feel like there's never enough free time. Having workplace flexibility means that you can better manage your time to fulfill more of your personal goals and commitments.  
• Greater employee autonomy: This relates to giving employees the freedom to complete tasks according to their personal preferences and with minimal supervision. Doing so can reduce micromanaging while fostering a sense of teamwork since everyone becomes responsible for achieving the company's goals. 
• Higher job satisfaction: A flexible workplace can help you feel more motivated to perform your duties well. This can lead to improved productivity and encourage you to remain with your employer for a longer period. 
• Better employee engagement: Employee engagement refers to the connection that employees feel towards the organisation for which they work. Businesses can increase engagement while greatly reducing stress and burnout by being more accommodating to the needs of their employees. 

Examples of flexible work arrangements 

Understanding the differences between the types of flexibility that companies offer can help you pick the role that best suits you. Here are the main types of flexible workplace arrangements you might encounter: 

Remote working 

If an employer offers you remote working, this means that you'll be able to work outside the workplace. This is also known as working from home, as most employees opt to work remotely from their home office. Other professionals might choose to work from coworking spaces, coffee shops, or libraries. Both parties benefit from this arrangement, as employees get to choose their workspace while employers can reduce their overhead costs. 

Flexible hours 

Flexible hours, or flexi-time, means that you can choose to begin and end your work day earlier or later than the set time. If there's a meeting scheduled, you will have to attend it, likewise for any upcoming deadlines or commitments. Otherwise, you can customise your schedule to fulfill the required number of work hours per day or week. This option may be great for you if you're currently studying part-time, juggling multiple jobs, or balancing other commitments outside of work. 

Unpaid time off 

Unpaid time off (UTO) lets you take time away from work without compensation from your employer. The unpaid leave of absence from work can be for a short or extended period, depending on company policy. This option is useful if you need to be away from work but don't have enough holiday or paid leave. For example, if you're looking after dependents or a family member, recovering from an illness, or performing volunteer work. 

Compressed workweek 

Companies that adopt the compressed workweek allow employees to complete the required working hours per week in less than five days. For example, you might work four 10-hour days instead of the typical five 8-hour days. This means you would have an extra day off. Another advantage is reduced commutes, as you can save time and money by coming to work less frequently. This is especially important if you live far away from your workplace. 

Job-sharing 

A job-sharing arrangement is where two or more persons share the responsibilities of one full-time job. The employer may divide the job according to function, geography, time, or workload. For example, you might work in a split-day arrangement, where you and your partner work on the same days but at different times. 

Splitting the responsibilities of a role can be a great way to improve quality control since each individual would be able to give greater attention to their tasks. Additionally, sharing the workload with a partner can reduce work-related stress and burnout. 

Challenges of workplace flexibility 

While job flexibility comes with many benefits, there can also be challenges. In flexible workplaces, the most common setbacks are with maintaining:  

• Productivity and accountability: Remote or hybrid employees often have less rigid schedules, which can lead to a lack of routine and more distractions. This can make it harder for employees to manage their work hours and focus on their tasks. 
• Communication and collaboration: Fewer opportunities to meet and interact in person can lead to a decrease in team cohesion. This is an important consideration for teams that depend heavily on collaboration to achieve their goals. 
• Fairness and inclusivity: This would mostly impact organisations that have both remote and on-site employees. For example, in-office workers are more likely to take on demanding or time-sensitive tasks, while flexible employees may be overlooked for certain responsibilities. 
• Technology and infrastructure: Limited access to technological resources can also affect your productivity. A bad connection, for instance, could delay work or hinder your ability to communicate with your team.  
• Work-life balance and culture: Lastly, flexible work can create blurred boundaries between professional and personal life. When working remotely, employees may find it difficult to disconnect from work even after working hours are over. 

Companies can overcome these challenges by creating policies for flexible schedules. For example, flexi-time workplaces can set core hours each day where their teams are to be online and accessible. Employees can use these core hours to provide updates, collaborate, and coordinate on deliverables. Flexible managers and team leaders can also schedule team-building activities to strengthen team morale and work relationships.  

You can develop a flexible mindset by ensuring that your workspace is comfortable and conducive to productivity whenever you're working from home. Also, aim to complete your tasks promptly so that you don't have to spend more time at work than is necessary. Resist the urge to check work-related apps on your phone or simply turn off notifications once you're done for the day. These small habits can help to make flexible work a unique and positive experience.  

Conclusion 

Workplace flexibility is a great opportunity to improve your work-life balance, especially if you've been working in more traditional models. By fostering a flexible work environment, organisations can unlock a wider talent pool, boost employee engagement, and create a culture of trust and empowerment. 

Be it remote or hybrid work arrangements or flexible hours, understanding the benefits and challenges of this new paradigm can help you discover which arrangement is suitable for you. As the future of work unfolds, flexibility remains a cornerstone of a thriving workplace. Embrace the possibilities, advocate for solutions, and watch your work-life integration flourish. 

FAQs 

1. How can I make a persuasive case for workplace flexibility to my employer? 
   ⁠First, review your company policy and determine if flexible working conditions could be suitable. If employee feedback suggests it's feasible, consider possible flexible arrangements for different roles and job responsibilities. Focus on raising efficiency and lowering expenses, and prepare statistics or projections to illustrate your claims wherever possible. 
   ⁠
   ⁠Next, schedule a meeting with your superiors. Explain how workplace flexibility can increase productivity and engagement while reducing costs in rent and utilities. Present the quantitative data you've prepared to make your case more compelling.  
2. What are some best practices for managing a flexible work schedule? 
   ⁠Ensure that communication channels are open and available to your team. By regularly updating your schedule and availability, your manager and team members will know when they can reach you for urgent matters. 
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   ⁠It's also a good idea to create a regular work routine. Include the day's priorities and stick to your work hours. Finally, have daily or weekly check-in meetings with your supervisor and team to provide time-sensitive updates and discuss urgent matters. 
3. Is workplace flexibility available in all industries and job roles? 
   ⁠No, flexible work arrangements aren't available in all industries and job roles yet. ​For example, ​​​​healthcare professionals, first responders, and service industry employees​​ might not have flexible working arrangements. 
4. Why is workplace flexibility an important benefit? 
   ⁠A flexible workplace is an important benefit because it can offer you a better balance between your professional and personal life. Workplace flexibility can increase your autonomy when it comes to completing tasks and deciding your work schedule. This can lead to higher job satisfaction and engagement, which can result in you staying with your employer for a longer period.