Flexible Schedules in the Workplace: Is It Right for Your Business?
Although flexible schedules at the office have been around for decades, many of this latest generation’s workforce have become familiar with hybrid or remote work thanks to the global COVID-19 pandemic of 2020. Since then, employers all over the globe have been forced to rethink their approach to business after it has been determined (using many examples and studies) that work productivity, overall, remained the same or increased when employees were forced to work from home. That’s right: sales did not sink; contracts were still signed; deals were still brokered.
The decrease in people coming into the office created, if anything, a mostly social issue that affected collaboration and interpersonal skills. But many even found these factors to be a blessing in disguise because minimal in-person interactions (in the office and on the subway commute to and from the office) helped them to avoid catching colds, the flu, and COVID-19, especially during winter months.
Whatever your personal opinion on remote working, employers everywhere are pivoting to become more inclusive to the idea of flexible schedules in order to keep staff members happy and less stressed and to maintain employee retention.
This article provides an unbiased approach to workplace flexibility––highlighting the pros and cons of hybrid/remote work––so that you can determine whether such a business practice is right for your specific company.
What are Flexible Work Hours?
Generally speaking, flexible work hours refer to a work arrangement where employees receive greater control over when they work, how they work, and, most specifically, where they work. This type of practice allows workers to have a more fluid schedule throughout the workweek––one that doesn’t involve being tied to a desk during the traditional 9-to-5 workday.
To some, this sounds like a no-brainer. A modern, realistic approach to keeping staff members happy and empowered. However, what about the rents on office buildings (what’s the value of leasing a huge building if it’s only filled to 20% capacity every week)? What about in-person communication? What about collaboration? There are still questions to consider for every business in just about every industry. So is flexible scheduling the way of the future?
As technologies advanced practices and work-life balance became a priority, companies have begun to embrace flexible work hours––a shift that has been fueled by the desire to attract and retain top talent by offering more appealing work options. And what could be more appealing to jobseekers (especially those qualified candidates entering the workforce for the first time) than the ability to work from home 2 to 3 days a week?
For every couple proponents of flexible schedules, there is usually one naysayer––a realist, a bottom-liner, who believes that the sudden disruption to the decades-old in-office work culture is having a detrimental effect on the economy, the job market, and the mental health of all employees. Could there be something to this counterpoint? Let’s take a look:
Pros: The Advantages of Flexible Work Hours
The advantages of flexible work hours for employees include many positive factors that have been embraced, largely, by audiences around the global workforce. Do these points sound appealing––and, if employers were on the other end of the table, would any of them be important to you?
Increased Work-Life Balance >
Without question, one of the biggest benefits of flexible work hours––and the one that is often cited as the most important to jobseekers post-COVID––is the ability to achieve a better work-life balance. With the freedom to set their own schedule (i.e. choosing to work from home or at a local café), employees can expect to break from the monotony of staring at the walls of their cubicle for 40 hours a week and experience a work environment that works for them. Without the fear of a micro-manager standing over their shoulders in the office, employees can get their work done on their terms. This is a major boon to those who work in the creative, marketing, administrative, design, and tech industries in particular.
Improved Autonomy >
Flexible work hours give employees greater control over their work environment and schedule. For example, they have the ability to choose the times at which they are most productive and/or creative in order to put together a work routine that suits their needs. This autonomy can boost motivation and creativity, leading to increased job satisfaction.
Reduced Commuting Time and Cost >
Another incredibly convenient perk to many jobseekers is the ditching of the costly and stress-inducing morning and afternoon commuters. With flexible work hours, employees can avoid the daily travel routes and instead work from home or choose non-peak travel times. This not only saves staff valuable time but also cuts down on commuting expenses, such as transportation costs, parking fees, and even the price of the all-too-necessary cups of coffee, lunches, and snacks purchased throughout the day.
Ability to Manage Personal Commitments >
Unfortunately, life doesn’t always adhere to a strict 9-to-5 work schedule. With flexible work hours, individuals have the freedom to attend doctor’s appointments, school events, or personal errands without having to use up their precious vacation days. This flexibility empowers employees to take care of important personal commitments without the stress of juggling work obligations.
Enhanced Productivity and Job Satisfaction >
Most importantly, flexible work hours can help alleviate work-related stress and burnout. By allowing individuals to manage their workload and schedule, it prevents the feeling of being constantly overwhelmed by the weight of deadlines, and even social pressures. This increased control over work-life balance boosts mental well-being and reduces the risk of experiencing burnout.
Also, customized work patterns are a major draw to those employees who don’t operate at their best during the traditional 9-to-5 schedule. Flexible work hours enable individuals to design their work patterns to align with their productivity peaks. Whether you prefer shorter, focused bursts of work or longer, uninterrupted periods, you can tailor your schedule to maximize efficiency and output.
Higher Employee Morale and Motivation >
It’s pretty simple: when employees have the freedom to manage their time and achieve a better work-life balance, it naturally leads to higher job satisfaction and morale. Feeling trusted and valued by your employer fosters a positive work environment and promotes motivation. Employees are more likely to be engaged and dedicated when they can work in a way that suits their personal needs.
Greater Flexibility Means a More Attractive Workplace to New Hires >
By offering the option to work flexible hours, companies can cast a wider net and attract candidates who value work-life balance. It’s like saying, “Hey, we understand that you have a life outside of work, and we’re cool with that.” This can make your company more appealing to a diverse range of individuals, including parents, caregivers, and those who simply want more control over their schedules.
What’s more, implementing flexible work hours shows that your company values its employees’ time and respects their personal lives.
Cons: The Challenges and Drawbacks of Flexible Work Hours
As with just about everything in life, there are some downsides to think of when implementing flexible work hours. While they can be a great hiring perk, they do come with a few challenges that should be considered.
Difficulty in maintaining work-life boundaries >
One of the potential pitfalls of flexible work hours is that it can present difficulty in maintaining a clear line between work and personal life (basically, too much of a good thing….can become a not-so-good thing). When the boundaries between work and life begin to blur, it becomes easy for people to find themselves working late into the night or answering business emails during family time.
Finding the right balance between work and personal life becomes crucial when you have the flexibility to determine your own hours. It’s important to set clear boundaries, establish designated workspaces, and resist the temptation to constantly scroll on your work device during off-hours. Striking this balance may take some trial and error, but it’s essential for overall well-being.
Potential for decreased teamwork and collaboration >
Flexible work hours, especially if everyone has different schedules, can make it challenging to coordinate and collaborate effectively. It may be more difficult to schedule team meetings, contribute to brainstorming sessions, or even connect with a coworker for a quick chat. This can potentially lead to a decrease in collaboration and communication among team members.
Lack of face-to-face interaction >
When employees have the option to work remotely or on flexible schedules, there is the risk of losing crucial face-to-face interaction. Although video calls and instant messaging platforms help bridge the gap, nothing quite replaces the spontaneous creativity and bonding that occurs when people are physically together.
Managing work-related distractions >
Working from home or during non-traditional hours can open the door to a myriad of distractions – household chores, family interruptions, or the allure of binge-watching your favorite TV show. Managing these distractions requires self-discipline and establishing routines that help maintain focus and productivity––a discipline that not everybody can quickly pick up.
Getting Around the Hurdles of Flexible Work Hours
When teams are spread across different schedules or locations, communication and collaboration can understandably become tricky. However, with the right strategies in place, these potential challenges can be navigated successfully. In order to cope with team members not being in the physical office all at once, employers can instead put practices in place that compensate for physical absences without sacrificing work output.
In order to ensure effective and streamlined group performance, employers must set up clear channels of communication, whether it’s through email, instant messaging, or video conferencing. Setting expectations for response times and regular check-ins can also help keep everyone on the same page, even if they’re not physically in the same office.
Also, virtual collaboration tools, such as project management software or cloud-based document sharing, can be essential for teams working flexible hours. These tools allow for seamless collaboration, real-time updates, and easy access to shared information, enabling teams to work together efficiently regardless of their physical locations.
A Final Thought on Flexible Work Hours…
As a business owner and/or employer, it is important to understand the value of offering flexible or remote working schedules to employees. As such, it is equally important to recognize how much flexibility impacts your specific business. If your company and industry can facilitate remote or hybrid scheduling, it might be in your best interest to implement such practices––you’ve seen the benefits listed above. But if not, you may be faced with challenges when hiring select candidates from the newest workforce generation (new millennials and Generation Z) who have come to expect greater work-life balance.
People within the workforce are simply not the same as they were 5 years ago. Major global shifts have taken place that reconfigured the office work environment––and for many, it’s difficult to go back (metaphorically and physically). Whether you’re an early bird or a night owl; a single mom or a proud pet parent––having the ability to tailor your work hours to align with your natural rhythms and your personal responsibilities can often result in increased productivity and job satisfaction. For employers, these factors may just be worth it in the long run.
There you have it! The pros and cons of flexible scheduling in the workforce. For business owners looking to reevaluate their current office structure, this very modern approach to employment can often help. But, in some cases, it can also hinder. Is flexible scheduling a good fit for your company? Only you can know for sure. Hopefully, this list can help you make an educated decision.
