If you aren’t considering flexibility within your workplace, it’s definitely time to start. Between the sudden shift to more flexible work arrangements ushered in by the pandemic and increased reflection by employees about what really matters, flexibility has never been so important. As an employer in today’s market, you can’t ignore the importance of flexibility in both attracting and retaining talent.
The problem? Flexibility can mean different things to different people. For some it might be about more flexible hours, for others, it might mean working from a tropical locale. But when you get it right, offering the right kinds of flexibility doesn’t just help with retention or recruiting. It can also boost diversity efforts, boost morale, increase productivity, and even provide cost savings.
So what’s the best approach to flexibility? We’ll break down the top three flexibility working arrangements that people are looking for most.
Flexible Hours
Whether it’s 9-5 or 7-3, employees want the option of working when they want to work. Some people love mornings, others are night owls, and others might need to sign off early to avoid traffic or pick their children up from school. One popular approach is allowing workers to choose their hours (start any time between 6am-10am, for instance). It gives employees more control and is relatively easy to implement.
Flexible Schedule
The standard Monday-Friday grind isn’t so appealing anymore. Many people are looking for the ability to choose the days that they work. Enter: the four-day workweek. Compressing work into four 10-hour days and getting a full three-day weekend is a highly sought-after option. Other approaches to a flexible schedule might be splitting days off or offering part-time or reduced hour roles.
Flexible Work Environments
With the pandemic proving that all work doesn’t need to happen in the office, employees want the option to work where they want to work. From fully remote positions, to flex time positions that require 2-3 days in the office per week, many employees are seeking a change of scenery. While it’s not without its challenges, this approach can also benefit employers when it comes to savings on office space and overhead.
Moral of the story? In today’s market, many employees have shown they’re willing to leave their jobs for ones that offer more flexibility. It’s time to get clear on what your employees are looking for. With tools like regular 1:1s between employees and managers, pulse and annual surveys, and exit interviews, you can stay on top of what people want and adjust your workplace approach accordingly.
For more tips around retention, check back in with the blog next week. You can also follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for tips every Tuesday and Thursday, throughout the month of March.