Stuck in the dark ages?
Do you have the traditional 9-5 work hours for your employees? Why? Let me guess, because that is what your clients expect right? Ok, how about your employees?
The trend to offer flexible working arrangements is huge. If you don’t offer this, you are not growing with what today’s employees want. For some the traditional 9-5 works, but for others, it is a nightmare.
Why is the 9-5 not working anymore?
- Work/life balance. Our employees are looking to be able to be more involved in childcare, attend appointments or extracurricular activities or to be able just to balance their life in general.
- Elder care. Some of our employees have elder care responsibilities that require them to provide coverage at certain hours.
- Avoidance of rush hour. At times the commute during rush hour can add significant time to the morning or evening drive – avoiding this gives more time back for other activities.
- Multiple jobs. Many people have two jobs, or need to work two jobs just to make ends meet. Having a flexible or alternate work schedule can allow them to be able to accomplish this.
How do you ensure your clients are taken care of?
Good question! And a reason why many don’t even consider it, as they can’t disrupt their clients. But, who said anything about reducing or impacting the service you provide to your clients? So, what do you do? Establish core hours that everyone must be at work, or that at least must be covered. Then go from there with regard to establishing some flexibility in your start and end times and or how many people you can accommodate on an early and later shift.
So is this all about the employees?
No! What is the benefit for the employer you ask?
- You could actually offer extended hours of coverage for your clients!
- You keep or attract employees that might otherwise not stay or be interested in working for you.
- You compete with your competition.
- Depending on the scheduling you put in place, it is possible you might be able to more efficiently utilize your office space, desks and even computers or equipment!
My challenge…
If you are stuck on the 9-5…I challenge you to really think about the above, create your own advantages and disadvantages list. Look at your disadvantages and see what you can do to combat them. Down the line…you will look back and be glad you took the leap.
We would love to hear your stories of success! Email us or tag us on social media with your stories! Share this post to encourage others to take the leap!
Watch for our Flexible Work Locations blog post coming soon!