IS FLEXIBLE WORKING HERE TO STAY?
For most employees (76% - Wired), the term ‘flexible working’ is like music to their ears... but for employers – maybe not so much.
Since the pandemic in 2020, remote working became a normality, with 37% of the UK’s working population being remote at some point that year (gov.uk). Now as offices are open again, there’s been a noticeable wave of people going back to the office… hence the traffic in the morning!
But rather than things going back to PC (pre-COVID), it seems we’ve adopted a new working lifestyle with hybrid and flexible models. Employees have more control over their professional schedule than ever before and according to a poll I did on LinkedIn, 59% of people prefer it!
They’re able to work from home to avoid rush hour, pop out of the office early for the school, or even start work late so they can go to the gym. And for some, they haven’t walked into an office since early 2020, and it’s completely their choice if they want to again. Sounds like a dream, right?
For some employers, it is their worst nightmare.
Now, before you assume that every employer is trying to be a Debbie Downer and take away your fun (although some are), many have valid concerns as to why they want you back in the office.
Let’s dive deeper into the pros and cons…
CONS
FEAR OF UNPRODUCTIVITY
This is probably the first one you thought of.
Whether you’re an employer that thinks your staff lounge around all day, or you’re an employee that knows your boss thinks you lounge around all day – productivity is one of the biggest debates when it comes to remote working.
Being left to your own devices all day, with no boss to see you’ve been playing Candy Crush for 45 minutes – it can really be the recipe for laziness. Not to mention, many people may be working at home due to children being on school holidays, new puppies needing extra attention, or just general household chores. This means it can be really easy to get distracted.
Yet, although this makes complete sense – there’s no evidence to back this up as of right now. Studies show remote working even a few times a month can increase productivity by 77% (Connect Solutions).
Maybe it’s the change in environment, or the peace and quiet and lack of constant office chat – that can definitely be distracting sometimes too.
MISSING OUT ON TEAM BONDING
Culture is a huge part of a company, 56% of employees saying they consider it as “more important than salary”.
But how do you feel connected to your company and their people when you’re only seeing them through a screen? Many bosses may be encouraging their workers to come back to the office for the simple reason of seeing work as more than just work. They may want an office buzzing with good conversations, laughs, beer Friday’s, and brownies someone baked for the team.
Human connection matters, and it can be a dealbreaker as to whether people feel satisfied and evidently stay at a company. 71% of employees aged 18-34 felt their colleagues had become distant since working remotely, and 81% fear loneliness from long-term remote working (HR News)
PROS
WORK-LIFE BALANCE
This is hands down the number one reason for most people.
Unlike those who experience loneliness, working remotely has the complete opposite effect and it actually kickstarts their social life again.
Sitting in an office from 9-5, sometimes more, with an hour commute each way can really take away time from people’s social lives. Remote working can give people a chance to spend time with their families on their lunch break or meet some friends in the area after work. Not to mention, flexible hours help those who have commitments such as the school run.
This can really improve mental health, resulting in higher productivity and satisfaction with work.
REDUCES STRESS AND BURNOUT
Similar to work-life balance, for some – constantly being in the office can cause exhaustion and stress.
Being able to work from home, away from the noise of others can help some people focus better and handle stress more effectively.
CONCLUSION – EVERYONE’S DIFFERENT
We have so many conversations in the office about flexible working. Some say they could work fully remote no problem, some like the balance of being able to choose as and when, and some find working at home incredibly boring and isolating.
There’s no one size fits all.
You may be a company that is considering flexible working, or wondering whether to take it away – don’t just have a think for yourself, ask your staff. If this is the barrier between them being more happy at work resulting in better quality work and increased creativity – would you consider it?
At enable, flexible working is something we love, but we also love the office. Why? Because we’ve created a space where people feel valued and actually have fun. Flexible working should never be a replacement for a great culture.
- Written by Tim Macmillan
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