Flexible Work Schedule
A flexible schedule allows an employee to work hours that differ from the normal company start and stop time. A flexible schedule allows workers to vary when they come in and leave their workplace. This refers also to people who work at home.
Does your company offer a flexible work schedule?
Everyone wants flexibility in their lives so that they can have a work-life balance that allows them to enjoy the best of both worlds. Adding flexible work schedules to the list of perks at work is a rapidly growing trend that can do wonders for your business.
Put yourself in your employee’s shoes for a minute. A flexible work schedule sounds nice, right? But is it good for the employer too? Let’s take a look at the Pros and Cons of Flexible Work Schedules.
Pros of a Flexible Working Schedule
Save Money
Because working at home is part of the flexible working arrangement, employers can often save money on their ancillary expenses. This is because less office space is needed with workers at home, plus fewer furniture and personal needs are required at the office. Flexible working creates better economics.
Adaptability
Through flexible working, you can use the time you normally waste traveling to the office and spend more quality time with your family instead. Flexible work schedule reduced fuel consumption by the employer and less wastage of time by commuting and traveling from home to workplace and vice versa.
If you have a flexible work schedule you can be able to meet the day to day errands and take care of family members without any interference in work. It allows employees to meet family needs and life responsibilities as well.
Reduces Stress
Flexible work hours provide enhanced job control. When the amount of job control increases, this leads to a reduction of workplace-related stress. Hence, no unwanted disagreement between co-workers can take place. The employee decides what and how they will do the work given by the employer.
Reduce Absenteeism
The employee does not have to be burdened by rescheduling prior commitments and juggle work along with their personal lives. This makes the employee more relax and can reduce absenteeism.
Better Client Support
The employer can easily attend a conference with the clients in the comfort of his house. Flexible working hours are beneficial for clients with different time zones.
Cons of a Flexible Working Schedule:
Communication Breakdowns
Flexible working often has workers coming and going throughout the day. They might become overwhelmed and lose track of the tasks and projects. Make sure to keep a to-do list every day to hold themselves accountable. A lack of contact with colleagues at the office could limit the cohesiveness of teams and exchange of ideas.
Not Every Employee Can Work At Home
Some of the employees won’t have the proper set-up at home in order for them to stay productive. As a result, they’re unable to work at a proper time, which affects the productivity of the employee and to the whole team as well.
Liability and Security Concerns
Employees who are at work might find themselves working in an empty, or near empty, office. For instance, an accident occurs and there is no one to assist them. Security logistics may also become a challenge. Emergencies may occur and there is no one to assist them, unless they have other colleagues with them.
Overtime
A flexible schedule can result in the employee working overtime, which can result in high cost. If there are no clear boundaries about working hours, then they can easily fall into the trap of working all the time. A clear working schedule must be indicated so they will be guided well on finishing the tasks on a timely manner.
Distractions Might be a Thing
There are some people who takes advantage of a flexible work as an invitation to relax. They enjoy staying at home and unknowingly, this ha affected their performance already. There will be a lot of distractions working remotely, but there are ways to prevent this. Such as designing your own home office, locking the door, and be undisturbed on designated times.
Conclusion
So, these are some of the pros and cons of working at a flexible schedule. Hopefully, weighing these pros and cons will help you make the best decision for your team, or even brainstorm alternative ways to combat some of the negative outcomes.
.