Most workplaces offer flexible work options compared to traditional working hours, especially after Covid-19. People love to work on a flexible schedule where they get time to spend with their family and friends. Not only employees, but the flexible work environment offers several benefits to employers also. As an organisation, it's crucial to know the meaning of flexible work and its benefits. Let’s discuss them in detail.
Defining Flexible Work
A flexible work arrangement consists of a work schedule that doesn't have the rules you often face in a traditional work schedule. The new opportunities for flexible work increase the ability to attract, retain and motivate high-performing and experienced employees. Flexible work also increases workplace diversity and inclusion. By offering flexible work in businesses, companies may reduce absenteeism, improve productivity, reduce overhead costs and allow continued operations during emergencies. There are different types of flexible work job options. Let’s discuss them.
Types of Flexible Work Options
Several companies employ flexible work options to make their employees’ lives easier. The right flexible work option helps improve productivity, job satisfaction and overall happiness. If you want to know about these, continue reading this blog.
Flexible Timing
Flexible timing provides flexibility regarding the timing of employees' work in the company. Companies may assign certain times to the employees for which they can work during the day, but they have the option when they want to begin and end their workday at a time that’s more convenient to them. Several companies offer flexible or unlimited paid time off to employees. Typically, this focuses on the quality of work employees provide rather than increasing their number of working hours.
Reduce Hours and Part-time Work
Employees with reduced hours and part-time work need to work fewer rather than the standard traditional workweek. These types of flexibility are provided to temporary or permanent workers depending on their circumstances. This flexibility is also offered to employees with medical conditions. Employees may also negotiate or choose work hours to coincide with peak workload hours depending on the organisation they are working in. Some government programs for employees including employment insurance or pension plans may provide an impact. However, companies need to conduct thorough research before starting a reduced-hour or part-time arrangement.
Flexible Workplace
A flexible workplace is also called telecommuting or teleworking which allows employees to work remotely from their home or another location. Some employees prefer to work remotely most of the time, while others may come to the office a few days per week.
Compressed Workweek
With compressed hours or condensed work weeks, employees need to work 40 hours in less than five days a week. Employees can manage their work in a compressed workweek by starting their work earlier or finishing later compared to the normal workday.
Job Sharing
In job sharing, an employee and at least one coworker split one full-time position and the needed working hours. This type of flexible work option provides part-time work for employees while making companies get the equivalent of one full-time employee. In this type of flexible work option, employees may get less salary, benefits and holidays.
Leaves and Holidays
Leaves and holidays are provided by the organisation to the employees during which they get periods away from work without loss of employment rights. Paid and unpaid leaves are offered to the employees usually for family, education, healthcare or leisure reasons. Holidays are usually paid or partially funded by the company.
Work Sharing
Organisations allow work sharing in some cases to avoid layoffs. With this flexible work option, companies temporarily reduce the number of hours and salaries for staff while maintaining the number of employees.
Phased Retirement
With phased retirement, companies and employees agree on a schedule that reduces workers' full-time work commitments. For example, companies may decide to schedule responsibilities over a series of months or years for the employees nearing their retirement. In this period, companies train the potential replacement who is going to work in place of the retired person.
Conclusion
Now, all doubts you may have regarding flexible work options may be clear. Several companies and employees opt for these flexible options as they benefit in several terms such as greater work-life balance, enhanced productivity, reduced tardiness and absenteeism and more. Several people search for job options or companies offering flexible options. If you are also searching for a better flexible work option, sign up on reBLISS - a work-providing platform.
