Opinions of Thursday, 17 August 2023

Columnist: Nii Odenkey Abbey

Embracing flexibility at work: Path to empowerment, productivity

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As organisations strive to enhance productivity and empower their teams, flexible working arrangements have become a new vocabulary in the language of the workplace.

By adopting various types of flexibility aligned with their goals and mission statements, businesses worldwide have witnessed valuable outcomes, such as improved work-life balance, increased employee satisfaction, and enhanced productivity.

However, some organisations still face challenges in implementing flexible work culture due to misconceptions and a lack of in-depth understanding of its benefits.

I explore expectations and advantages associated with providing employees with more flexibility.

Flexibility

Flexible working arrangements encompass various options, including remote work, flextime, compressed workweeks, job sharing, and more.

The core principle of flexibility is to enable employees to have greater control over their work schedules and locations while ensuring they meet their responsibilities and achieve optimal results.

This empowerment not only benefits employees but also contributes to the organisation's overall performance.

One of the primary expectations of introducing flexibility is to strike a balance between work and personal life.

Traditional 9-to-5 office settings may not cater to the diverse needs of employees, leading to burnout and reduced motivation.

Flexibility allows employees to adapt their work schedules to fit their personal commitments, leading to reduced stress levels and increased job satisfaction.

Creating a flexible work culture involves more than just implementing policies; it requires a shift in mindset and organisational values.

Leaders must demonstrate their commitment to flexibility by encouraging open communication, trust and a results-oriented approach.

When employees feel supported and trusted, they are more likely to embrace flexibility responsibly and deliver their best work.

Flexible working arrangements enable employees to manage their time efficiently, leading to improved work-life balance.

Whether it's avoiding rush-hour.