Why Flexibility is Key in the Modern Workplace: Insights from People Ops Managers

In the modern workplace, flexibility has become a key factor in attracting and retaining top talent. As more companies move towards hybrid or remote work environments, offering flexible work options has become a necessity. If you're interested in exploring this further, our post on Why Coworking is the Future of Remote Work gives a great perspective.

In this blog post, we’ll explore why flexibility is so important in the modern workplace, and we’ll share insights from people ops managers on how to create a flexible work environment that benefits both employees and the company.

Flexibility is no longer a “nice to have” in the workplace, but a “must-have”. In a recent survey by Global Workplace Analytics, 82% of respondents said that they would be more loyal to their employers if they had flexible work options. Furthermore, 36% said they would choose flexible work options over a pay raise. This highlights just how important flexibility has become to employees.

In addition to employee satisfaction and retention, there are many other benefits to offering flexible work options. For example, it can reduce overhead costs, increase productivity, and even help the environment by reducing commuting. You can learn more about the benefits of coworking for the employer and for the employees here.‍

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In the following, we’ll explore these benefits and share insights from people ops managers on how to create a flexible work environment that works for everyone.

The Benefits of Flexibility in the Modern Workplace

‍Increased Productivity

One of the biggest benefits of flexibility is increased productivity. By offering employees the option to work from home or have flexible hours, they can better manage their time and work in a way that suits their needs. This can result in fewer distractions, less time wasted on commuting, and ultimately, more work getting done.

Cost Savings

Flexible work options can also result in cost savings for both employees and employers. For employees, it can mean saving on transportation and other expenses associated with working in an office. For employers, it can mean reducing overhead costs such as office space, utilities, and other expenses associated with running a traditional office.

Better Work-Life Balance

Flexibility can also help employees achieve a better work-life balance. By offering options like flexible hours or remote work, employees can better manage their personal and professional lives. This can lead to less stress, better mental health, and ultimately, happier employees.

However, some employees may experience feelings of isolation when working from home for a long time. If you believe you or your teams are experiencing this, consider reading out post with 10 Tips to avoid feeling isolated when working from home.

Improved Employee Retention

Offering flexible work options can also help improve employee retention. As mentioned earlier, the majority of employees value flexibility and are more likely to stay with a company that offers it. By offering flexible work options, both working hours and workspace, employers can increase employee loyalty and reduce turnover.

Insights from People Ops Managers

Here are some insights on how to create a flexible work environment that works for everyone:

Communication is Key

One of the most important aspects of creating a flexible work environment is communication. As a people ops manager, it’s important to communicate clearly with employees about what options are available and what is expected of them. This can include setting clear expectations around communication, deadlines, and work hours.

Offer a Range of Options‍

To cater to the diverse needs of employees, it’s important to offer a range of flexible work options. This can include flexible working hours, remote work, or even a hybrid model where employees can work from home some days and in the office or a coworking space on others. By offering a range of options, employees can choose what works best for them, which will increase their performance.

Invest in Technology

To make flexible work options possible, it’s important to invest in technology. This can include video conferencing software, project management tools, and other technology that enables remote work. By investing in technology, you can ensure that employees have the resources they need to be productive and stay connected with their team.

Lead by Example

As a people ops manager, it’s important to lead by example when it comes to flexibility. This means modeling the behaviors you want to see in your employees, such as taking advantage of flexible work options yourself and being open to new ideas and suggestions.

Emphasize Results Over Hours

In a flexible work environment, it’s not always possible to monitor employees’ hours or work schedules. Instead, focus on the results they are achieving and the impact they are making. By emphasizing results over hours, you can create a culture of trust and accountability that benefits everyone.

In today’s fast-paced business world, flexibility has become a key factor in attracting and retaining top talent. By offering employees the option to work not only from home, but from anywhere; to have flexible hours; or work in a hybrid model, companies can have many benefits. For example, increase productivity, reduce costs, improve employee satisfaction and retention, and have a bigger talent pool. As a people ops manager, it’s important to communicate clearly with employees, offer a range of options, invest in technology, lead by example, and emphasize results over hours. By doing so, you can create a flexible work environment that benefits everyone involved in your company.

We can help you find the right workspace provider offer if you're considering scaling down your company headquarter footprint and moving parts of your workforce into more flexible arrangements. Send us an email to help@onecoworking.com. We will be happy to help you with all things coworking!