15th November, 2018
There’s been a massive shift in the global workforce when it comes to the concept of flexible working, with more and more business owners warming up to the idea of allowing their employees more choice when it comes to their work arrangements.
Flexible arrangements can include letting your workers choose their start and finish times, the ability to purchase leave, compressing weeks into four days, and many other more flexible approaches to how and where they work.
One of the most common options preference among workers is the ability to work remotely.
As someone who often works remotely for months on end, whether it be from a café in the city instead of at the office, a different country, or often simply from home, I’ve found that adopting this workstyle has done wonders for my career, relationships and personal wellbeing.
READ: NZ business hails four-day work week a ‘resounding success’
To learn more about the benefits of working remotely, I spoke with Natalie Goldman, CEO of FlexCareers, a company that has created a tech platform that connects talented individuals with progressive employers.
Before delving into the benefits of such a work culture, Goldman started by saying that business owners need to look at flexible working arrangements “as another way of working”, rather than “as a reward”.
While working remotely is becoming increasingly popular, I still meet many business owners who find the remote working culture far too unconventional, and always seem to prefer to stay on the traditional side of work culture – expecting their employees to spend their 9 to 5 on Monday to Friday, inside the constraints of their office.
But Goldman said there’s at least one clear benefit that can be derived from being open to a flexible work style gives businesses access to a whole new stream of talent.
“There are many different demographics of people that, due to a wide range of circumstances, can only work remotely,” said Goldman.
“For instance, there are so many talented women between the ages of 25 and 45 that have a very difficult time re-entering the workforce after pregnancy.
“If an employer is open to a flexible working arrangement, it gives them a whole new level of access to take on such workers.”
READ: How to create a positive workplace culture
If you’re a business owner, you’ll know how important it is for your employees to remain engaged in the work that they’re doing.
READ: 3 key benefits to creating a positive work culture
According to Goldman, one of the ways to achieve this engagement is by being open to exploring flexible working arrangements.
“Allowing for employees to have a say about where they want to work causes those employees to engage warmly with their working environment as it brings an important ‘human’ element to their day to day activities,” she said.
Not only have flexible working arrangements become popular among small businesses and startups, but even large corporates are beginning to encourage their employees to work flexibly.
An example of the recent push for flexible work in the corporate scene can be taken from one of Australia’s top tier law firms, Allens Linklaters.
Ari Bendet, a lawyer in the Allens Mergers & Acquisitions team, told The Pulse that the firm has placed a large emphasis on flexible working by showing immense support to all employees who choose to work remotely from time to time.
“Allens has been incredibly supportive of flexible working arrangements, with Partners and other senior staff actively promoting and encouraging flexible working across all levels, including among junior lawyers.”
Bendet also said that choosing to work remotely can play a big part in achieving a healthy work-life balance.
“The benefits of working flexibly include being in control of your calendar so you can manage ‘life admin’ and achieve work-life balance in a way that suits your commitments.
“In my team, flexible working has led to greater employee wellbeing and morale.”
Thinking of offering more flexibility in your business? Take the first step by deploying a business management platform to make sure you have complete visibility.