Work flexibility, the future of work

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Work flexibility, the future of work

October 21 / 2020

Work flexibility is increasingly present in our lives after the employment modalities that have been most in demand, such as remote work. We teach you how to make a job flexible.

Flexible work is increasingly in demand, but the number of quality jobs of this type falls well below the demand. Right now, employers are more in favour of relaxing their work structures to benefit their employees and enjoy the advantages that this practice offers. 

One of the reasons job flexibility is on the rise is because many employers are seeking quality talent. Today’s professionals understand that flexibility in the workplace is important to stay motivated, and so they look for offers with these characteristics.

A strong work-life balance is necessary for both employers and employees. Moving away from the traditional structure of a 9 to 5 workplace towards a modern work methodology improves employee satisfaction and productivity, ideal in today’s context.

In this article, we will discuss everything about flexible working as a strategic tool, and how organizations can use it to improve performance and productivity. At Cloudworks, we will give you all the details.

Definition of work flexibility

The definition of “flexible work” describes a type of work arrangement that gives a degree of flexibility about where, when, and how many hours employees work

This new global situation has led companies to adopt flexible working practices at an unprecedented rate. This not only protects employees and provides operational continuity, but also makes it easier to comply with laws that prevent the spread of the virus.

Flexible working allows long commutes and common office distractions to be avoided. But it can also lead to people working too hard and feeling isolated, so it is essential to adopt this practice responsibly. For jobs that cannot be done remotely, flexible work can help optimize schedules.  

What makes a job flexible?

The characteristics that make a job flexible can be summed up by having the ability to choose the time and place where you work. A flexible job is also one where the remuneration you receive is calculated in accordance with the goals you achieve, not the number of hours you spend working. 

This term applies to different work practices including:

  • Part-time work: Work is generally considered part-time when employers are hired to work somewhat less than the stated full-time hours.
  • Job sharing: a form of part-time work in which two (or occasionally more) people share responsibility for a job with each other.
  • Flexible hours: allows employees to choose, within certain set limits, when to start and finish work.
  • Telecommuting regularly: Employees work all or part of their workweek at a location other than the employer’s office. This can be at home, coworking spaces, etc. They are usually freelance or outsourced workers. 
  • Telecommuting: This allows employees on the payroll to work all or part of their workweek in a location other than the office. 
  • Sabbaticals: Sabbaticals are extended periods of leave, usually unpaid, of up to five years or more.
  • Entrusted results: there is no fixed schedule, but only an established objective of results.

The above list is not exhaustive, as flexible work may include other practices, such as shifts or assigning time off for training. Business flexibility agreements can be formal or informal.

Some organizations choose to modify the written employment contract when new forms of employment are established. However, some forms of work flexibility, such as working from home, are likely to be offered informally. 

Advantages

The benefits of flexibility at work affect employers and employees alike, but the latter are without a doubt those who enjoy the benefits the most. Whether work flexibility applies only to work or also has an effect on how you are remunerated, this methodology has a lot to offer. Find out what the benefits of flexible working are below.

Stress less

When people are not in control of their own schedules, they can have a difficult time managing all the different components that make up modern life (family, friends, hobbies, etc.). This can significantly raise stress levels, which in the long run can trigger health problems and, in the short term, a lack of productivity.

Work flexibility is an ally for organizations because it reduces stress by helping people achieve a better work-life balance. Recent studies have revealed that 97% of the workers surveyed believed that flexible work would have a huge impact on their quality of life.

More productivity

There is nothing more important than trust in a business relationship. When employees are trusted to make the right decisions about the best way to do their jobs, they feel more empowered, leading them to work with higher morale. 

It is no wonder people with higher morale are more productive, and the facts speak for themselves. Study after study shows that job flexibility leads to higher productivity. By working in their preferred locations, at their desired times, and at the pace that works best for them, workers achieve faster, higher-quality results. 

Lower costs

One of the most common flexible work models is teleworking. This practice can help companies reduce the costs of renting office space, and paying for services, while allowing employees to save on transportation, etc.

On top of that, having happier, healthier, and more productive employees translates to higher profits. Flexible working appeals to quality talent, helping to reduce employee turnover and improve performance. For companies, this means that they will not have to allocate resources to attract new talent, because people tend to stay in flexible companies. 

More commitment

Flexible work means better employee retention within an organization, achieving the goal of connecting employees with the company’s mission. This increases the commitment they feel and motivates them to do their best to achieve their goals. This advantage ensures that deadlines are met, and work is of a higher quality.  

Cloudworks, a project that is committed to flexible work

At Cloudworks, we are up to date with the latest trends in the world of work to provide solutions for any situation. The boom in flexible work has made it necessary for companies and independent professionals to have spaces to put this new way of working into practice. 

Our goal is to facilitate access to coworking and serviced office spaces that provide all the amenities that not only contribute to improving your quality of life but also help increase your productivity. We have rooms, offices and common areas where you can achieve your goals in a dynamic environment, designed to facilitate networking and encourage the growth of your operations. You can always count on us! 

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