Workplace flexibility not flexible hours might create a better employee experience
I read lots of articles, blog entries and tweets about the importance of offering employees flexible hours in order to improve employee morale, employee engagement and productivity; and create a better employee experience. And I agree. I have seen the benefits first hand and have had many conversations with employees and employers who embrace such a policy.
But what if we went one step further……………
What if the policy was just “Offer Flexibility.”
You are given a job or a task with a date it is due:
- You work the hours you want
- You work from where you want
- You utilize the resources that make the most sense for you; without compromising the organization
- You seek guidance and help from people outside the organization (without giving away proprietary information, trade secrets, etc.) where you think it would be helpful
- You pop in to the office to update and seek mentoring and guidance when necessary
Could it work? Sure it can. Look at all the successful virtual companies out there; some where employees are hired over the phone and never even meet the boss face-to-face. It also gives the employee a feeling of being somewhat of an entrepreneur which so many companies say they are looking for when hiring.
Will this work for everyone? Of course not. Some employees need structure or need to show up somewhere for the camaraderie and socialization that an office provides. But for those who are entrepreneurial spirits and project oriented this has great power. It might also provide a heck of a real estate savings.
So here are two questions to think about:
- As a boss, are you willing to let go of the reigns and give it a try?
- As an employee, do you think you have the discipline to deliver without a structured environment?
