Beyond the Office: What Candidates Truly Seek in Flexible Work
Flexible work can take many forms. A flexible benefits package, remote or hybrid work options, flexible work hours, and customizable roles are common examples of workplace flexibility.
Providing the types of flexibility candidates seek elevates employee attraction, job satisfaction, and retention rates. These factors strengthen revenue, the bottom line, and business growth.
Understanding the different dimensions of flexibility
Flexibility in the workplace can manifest in several ways, from flexible work hours and remote work options to customizable job roles and flexible benefits packages. By understanding and addressing the various dimensions of flexibility, you can create a work environment that meets your employees’ evolving needs and preferences.
Flexible Benefits Package
Providing customized benefits to fit each employee’s needs and preferences supports their lifestyles. Examples include:
- Flexible spending accounts
- Paid parental leaveÂ
- Wellness programs
- Employee assistance programs
Remote or Hybrid Work Options
The reduced commuting time and increased flexibility make remote and hybrid work options attractive. While employees enjoy the flexibility and autonomy of working remotely, collaborating, and socializing at the office, employers appreciate saving on office space and resources.
These tips support implementing remote and hybrid work options:
- Providing the tools and technologies for working remotely
- Communicating guidelines and expectations for remote work
- Scheduling regular check-ins and meetings to support communication and collaboration
- Monitoring and modifying the effectiveness of remote and hybrid work policies
Flexible Work Hours
Employees who set their work hours or choose among scheduling options have more control over work-life structure. The benefits include:
- Stronger engagement
- Greater productivityÂ
- Improved employee morale
- Elevated employee attraction and retention rates
Examples of flexible work hours include:
- Shortened work weeks. Employees work four 10-hour days rather than five 8-hour days.
- Flexible start and end times. Employees choose when they begin and finish work within a window, such as starting between 7 am and 9 am and finishing between 4 pm and 6 pm.Â
- Core hours. Employees are required to be at work during certain times, such as 10 am and 3 pm.
- Job sharing. A full-time job is split into two part-time jobs to better accommodate employees’ needs.
Customizable Roles
Employees appreciate shaping their duties and responsibilities based on their skills, strengths, and interests. For instance, a marketing professional might focus on content creation, social media management, or graphic design. Taking on tasks and projects that align with their experience and passions increases motivation and job satisfaction.
Cross-functional collaboration lets employees take on projects outside their roles. Supporting a culture of continuous learning and development enhances employees’ skills, problem-solving, and innovation.
These strategies encourage employee growth in customizable roles:
- Professional development workshops and training programs customized for employees’ interests
- Job shadowing, job rotations, and temporary assignments for skill development
- Mentorship to facilitate learning from experienced colleagues in areas of interest
- Regular feedback and performance reviews to support development in certain areas
Flexible Work Culture
These strategies support a flexible work culture:
- Encourage autonomy and trust. Let employees manage their work and make certain decisions. Trust they will deliver quality work by the deadlines. Provide guidance and support as needed. Support a sense of ownership and responsibility.Â
- Openly communicate. Encourage employees to share their needs, preferences, questions, and concerns. Respond to constructive feedback. Facilitate regular check-ins and team meetings to help employees feel seen and heard.
- Adapt to employees’ needs. Continuously evaluate and adapt the flexible work policies and practices to ensure they are adequate and relevant. Supporting employees strengthens attraction and retention rates.
Looking to Provide More Flexible Work?
PrideStaff’s highly skilled staffing consultants can help you stay current with flexible work trends and continuously improve employee satisfaction and retention. Contact your local PrideStaff office today to learn more!
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