If You’re Not Yet Offering Flexible Work Hours, Now is the Time

Nowadays, jobseekers are more adamant about choosing jobs that will facilitate a good work-life balance. A global survey with more than 30,000 participants in 31 countries found that 2 out of 5 employees were considering leaving their jobs next year. For the  vast majority of these people, flexibility is a deciding factor in employment decisions.

For this reason, in 2022, there are 4.3 million workers in the United Kingdom who now have contracts that allow flexible working hours. The implementation of such a system is beneficial for both the employer and employee, in fact, it generally results in a better dynamic between both parties.

If your business is not yet offering flexible work hours, then it’s time you should think about doing so. Here’s how it can benefit you.

Promote diversity and inclusion

Some candidates may be limited by location, disability, or familial responsibilities. Flexibility in an employee's work hours thus ensures that they can work according to their needs. This is particularly necessary in industries like retail and hospitality, where many employees are juggling long hours. The common impression is that frontline service and customer-facing jobs like these may find it difficult to manage flexible work hours. But implementing solutions like advanced schedule notice, limited on-call hours, shift swapping, and shifting hours can significantly reduce the strain on employees who need to split their time or reduce their work hours. 

This promotes greater consideration for diverse needs.

Encourage greater productivity

One of the most significant benefits of flexible working hours is boosting productivity and discouraging presenteeism. Newer ways of working have allowed employers to explore the possibility of employee contracts that focus more on meeting goals rather than set hours. As a result, employees are no longer languishing just to meet their work hours. Instead, they are choosing to meet targets in the shortest time possible. This emphasises output instead of the duration of work. It can also encourage candidates who prefer condensing their work hours.

Improve work-life balance

Today, employees are more particular about finding work that lets them nurture their lives outside their jobs. In the UK, a poll by ADP has found that 45% are willing to accept lower pay if it means being able to pursue a greater work-life balance. Offering flexible work hours is the simplest way to ensure this balance. Allowing employees greater control over their work hours lets them plan things outside a regular work schedule and devote more time to important matters outside their jobs.

Attract a broader talent pool

Recruiting the best possible talent for your company is easier now than ever, but they must also be offered the best opportunities. Virtual recruitment implements video applications and interviews, making connecting with as many of the best possible candidates more efficient. However, your business can easily miss out on this opportunity by not offering something that could secure the deal for potential employees — flexible work hours. Offering flexible hours is necessary to keep up with many forward-thinking companies, and the best talents will be on the lookout for this benefit when job hunting. This can also allow you to attract talent outside the country working in different time zones.

These days, offering flexible work hours is not only an option but a must — if you’re to maximise your company’s recruitment opportunities. These four benefits illustrate how healthy and enticing it could make your workplace for candidates.