When organizations design compensation packages, they often include items such as health insurance, paid leave and stock options. But what about flex time, telecommuting and compressed workweeks? Here’s why you should consider offering flexible scheduling to your employees.
What Is Flexible Scheduling?
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, “A flexible work schedule is an alternative to the traditional 9 to 5, 40-hour workweek.” Flexible scheduling can take many different forms. Examples include:
- Flex Time – Employees can come and go as they please. However, they may need to log a minimum number of hours and/or be available at certain times.
- Telecommuting – As known as remote work or work from home, telecommuting allows employees to do their job from wherever they like. Once again, they may be asked to check-in and/or report to the site on given days.
- Compressed Work Week – In this type of scheduling, employees complete longer shifts in exchange for extra days off. For instance, they may work ten hours Monday through Thursday and have Fridays free.
Advantages of Flexible Schedules
Happier Employees
In a study conducted by the American Sociological Review, workers with flex hours reported sleeping better, feeling healthier and experiencing less stress than their nine-to-five counterparts. And this happiness cascaded down to their families as well. (The New York Times Magazine, 2016)
Increased Productivity
Although many managers worry flexible workers will spend their days in front of the TV, that doesn’t seem to be the case. In fact, researchers at the University of Kent found people with flexible schedules tended to work longer hours. (Quartz, 2017) Experts theorize this happens because employees are so appreciative, they are willing to work harder for their organization. In addition, flexible scheduling gives individuals the option to work when and where they are most productive. Thus, they tend to be more engaged when they are on the clock.
Lower Turnover Rates
When Harvard Business Review asked 2,000 employees to rank their most-valued benefits, more flexible hours came in at #2. (Better health insurance topped the list.) Because flexible scheduling is so desirable, many respondents said they would pass on a job without flex time even if it paid more money.
More Effective Recruiting
Who doesn’t want to be at a company where employees are happier and more productive? Offering a highly sought-after benefit makes your business a place people want to work. This, in turn, results in better-quality candidates. Also, flexible scheduling opens your positions to a wider audience including working parents and, with remote options, people who live outside your area. So not only does your organization broaden its talent pool but also, you pull from a more diverse workforce.
Are You Looking for More Ways to Improve Your Employee’s Lives?
Connectology posts weekly blog posts on topics ranging from successful onboarding to prioritizing employee training. And if you’re looking for top manufacturing talent, our recruiters can help with that too. We place great candidates with great companies in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin and beyond. Learn more about the advantages of hiring through Connectology today!
9