Workplace values, like flexibility, are an essential aspect of any work environment. Whether you work from home or need to be in an office, employees need to adhere to certain unspoken standards of work ethics.
In other words, workplace values can be considered as a set of guiding principles that will help to shape the way you and your colleagues work together. When specific values are shared to be expected in order to work together in a professional setting, fewer misunderstandings will occur.
A happier, more cohesive and understanding environment will grow out of such a nurturing environment. And that’s got to be a win-win situation for everyone.
With all that being said, what are some of these workplace values that can help to improve the overall quality of your work environment?
In this article, you will be able to find out more about the workplace value of flexibility and 3 ways you can practice flexibility at your office.
What is flexibility?
Sure, you and I know what the term generally asks of anyone in a social setting. However, what exactly does it mean?
According to Lexico.com, flexibility refers to being “ready and able to change so as to adapt to different circumstances”. Another definition attributes flexibility to “be easily modified to respond to altered circumstances”.
Let’s take a moment to let that definition sink in.
When placed into the context of a working environment, flexibility can take on many forms at the workplace. As with any workplace value, we use flexibility as a guiding principle to help us make better decisions as a colleague, and more importantly, as an individual.
How then we can apply it at the workplace? Read on to find out 🙂
How to practice flexibility at the office?
Practicing the workplace value of flexibility at the office doesn’t actually call for much effort! Meaning to say, that it does not need to be big or outlandish gestures.
We practice flexibility through the simple, and daily acts of our everyday lifestyle. As such, here are 3 steps you can take to start practicing flexibility within your own office space.
Embrace your mistakes and failure
Embracing failure is one of the first steps you can take to practice flexibility at the workplace.
Making mistakes is part of the learning process. When we go about our daily routines and juggle multiple projects, mistakes are bound to happen. As such, it is important we realise we are only human.
Failures are an essential part of learning curve too. In one’s attempts to succeed, failures are necessary checkpoints for all of us. They provide us with the opportunity to reflect and re-strategise.
Learn to embrace your mistakes and failure. Learn to grow from these experiences. Ensure you put in place strategies to avoid repeating such errors. As Elbert Hubbard once said, “The greatest mistake a man can ever make is to be afraid of making one”.
And so, learn to embrace your mistakes and failures. That’s one way to practice the workplace value of flexibility.
Practice proactivity
One can practice flexibility at the workplace simply by implementing proactivity in his or her daily work routine.
This can be as simple as taking on new projects whenever you find yourself having the bandwidth to do so. You could also express your interests in exploring works you may not have previously experienced either.
Alternatively, you could always lend a helping hand to your colleagues who may be struggling with their workload. Trying on different tasks while helping others take some weight off their shoulders is a double bonus.
Identify situations in which your help will be appreciated and take the initiative to get things done! Practice proactivity at work and this will allow room for effective flexibility to take place.
Make arrangements and adjustments
The third, but perhaps, the most effective way you can practise the workplace value of flexibility at your office is by making arrangement and adjustments when necessary.
Oftentimes, many workplaces set out rules in hopes of creating a system that is easy for everyone to follow. However, sometimes these regulations can create unanticipated problems for individuals.
Take for instance, the matter of working hours. Sure, 9am to 5pm is a great time bracket for work related matters. But, what if parents needed to go to their kids’ school for a meeting? Or if, someone needed care at home for a week?
Make arrangements to accommodate such unforeseen circumstances. Be open-minded to making room for adjustments at work too. Maybe let them work from home until their situation gets better.
Rules and regulations are meant to guide individuals. They shouldn’t stop one from practicing a little act of kindness. Take active steps to make arrangements and adjustments when necessary. You’d be practicing the workplace value of flexibility in no time!
What's next?
And there you have it – a piece on an absolutely critical workplace value of flexibility. We hope the information in this article has helped you get a clearer idea of how you can better practice flexibility at the workplace.
Instilling workplace values, like the above, at your office can rake in numerous benefits for every employee. Remember, a little effort can go a long way to ensure a happy and successful workplace for everyone!
Keep a lookout for other workplace values we will be discussing as part of this series soon! Searching for a new workplace that practices these workplace values? On the hunt for a new job?
If you’re on the lookout for jobs within other industries that are nonetheless located in Singapore, here’s an article that shares with you the top 19 job portals in Singapore.
No matter the industry or the position, remember to visit GrabJobs to find a job opportunity in Singapore easily!
