Flexible working. Employees want it but not everyone utilises it. A recent YouGov survey found only 6% of people in the UK work traditional 9 to 5 hours, and almost have of the people surveyed worked flexibly with arrangement such as job sharing and compressed hours. With research from Powwownow stating that 70% of admitting that a role that offers flexible working becomes instantly more attractive, it’s imperative that employers offer it. Does your organisation offer a flexible working environment and if so, are you and your team making the most of it? Take our quiz to find out!
- Flexible working has been introduced – is it a known benefit of working in the organisation?
- Yes. Everyone across the company knows though HR communications and new starter contracts
- Everyone in my team knows about it, not sure about the other departments though.
- I assume people know – I haven’t told anybody though
- Do you know what flexible working in your organisation entails?
- I know and understand what we can and can’t do with flexible working
- I’m not 100% sure but I’ve asked around to find out
- I didn’t realise flexible working had different offerings depending on the organisation
- How do you feel about flexible working?
- I think it’s great and forward thinking. All organisations should implement it
- I’m not bothered either way but it’s a nice to have
- Personally, I’m not fan and think everyone should be in the office at the same time – why do things need to change?
- Have you used flexible working?
- Yes I use it regularly and it offers me a great work life balance
- I’ve used it a couple of times but I’m never sure if I’m allowed or what the protocol is
- Nope, never used it before
- Do you feel that it’s a manager’s responsibility to implement and lead flexible working?
- I do. If managers aren’t behind it then it won’t be followed because employees will be too scared to try it
- I think it’s a combination of both management and the employee to be agents of change, we need to work together
- If management don’t believe flexible working should occur with their team then they shouldn’t have to implement it. They know what’s best
- Do you think flexible working increases or decreases work productivity and motivation?
- It seems to improve productivity as well as motivation and happiness amongst employees
- I think it depends on the person. I’m still unsure whether it is a good thing or not
- I don’t see how it can increase motivation when you’re not at your desk surrounded by fellow workers – you’re able to get away with doing less
- Would you be more inclined to apply for a job if they offered flexible working?
- Definitely, now I’ve seen the benefits of it first hand I don’t think I could go back
- I don’t necessarily use it a lot but it’s good to know that you always have the option in a role so I would want it
- It wouldn’t sway my decision in either direction – it’s a benefit I would rarely use
You answered mostly:
A
Flexible working and you go hand in hand
You understand the importance of flexible working and why employees want it. You can also see the benefits for managers and believe it’s their responsibility to set a good example of being a forward thinker and using flexible working to be sifted through the organisation.
B
You’re slowly getting to grips with it
Flexible working is a relatively new concept in the business or the communication of it hasn’t been the greatest so everyone is a little confused and you’re no exception. You want to know more but not sure who to ask. Consult your manager and see who they point you to. Find out what you’re able to do and start trying it out to see whether flexible working is the way forward for you.
C
Change isn’t always a bad thing
When it comes to flexible working the phrase ‘better the devil you know’ springs to your mind. You’re wary of it and unsure whether it does in fact help or just causes more issues in terms of productivity. It might take a little getting used to but don’t disregard before you’ve tried and seen how your team perform using it – you could be surprised!
