Introducing Flexible Working Arrangements into your Workplace

Could flexible working be the new norm for your business?

Adapting to changing alert levels and lockdowns has seen a shift in businesses moving towards more flexible working arrangements. Where this may have felt impossible before lockdowns, it is now presenting huge benefits and opportunities for businesses and staff. Increasing engagement and productivity while keeping employee turnover low are just a couple of the flexi-work perks businesses are compelled to.

With staff returning to work and alert levels lowering, now is the perfect time to understand how to deal with flexible working requests and ensure effective processes are implemented to guarantee success in the long run.

What does flexible working mean?

Flexible working can mean different things for different business needs. However, the two following aspects can encompass it:

When: Employees may have flexibility with their days and hours. Allowing an employee to decide their pattern of work including their start, finish, and break times within set limits.

Where: Employees may decide their location of work.

In New Zealand, a request for Flexible Working can be made from the first day of employment, and as an employer, you must give their request fair consideration and respond within a month of receiving it.

Types of flexible working?

Flexible working arrangements can look different depending on the needs of your business. These are some of the more common types:

• Working from home / Remote working

• Hybrid working

• Reduced or increased hours

• Job Sharing

• Paid study leave

Employer Benefits:

-       Productivity Boost: The University of Otago found that almost three-quarters of people were either just as or more productive working from home during the lockdown. Nearly half of the participants were interested in continuing to work remotely several times a week. With employees spending less time in peak traffic and having more control over what hours they wished to work, it gave them the ability to create the same output levels in new ways.  

-       Employee Turnover Reduced: The opportunities provided by flexible working arrangements can positively impact employee experience. The University of Otago found an abundance of benefits such as having more family time, reduced commuting costs, and the ability to manage their working day. By

“Already, 35% of employees in New Zealand have remote working options in their current role, and 65% say it gives them greater job satisfaction.”

Source: Statistics New Zealand (2014). Flexibility and security in employment: Findings from the 2012 Survey of Working Life.

Tips to ensure flexible working success:

How can you ensure your implementing an effective, flexible working environment?

1.     Flexible Working Policy

By introducing a policy that will discuss how the company will assist employees in achieving their goals through facilitating flexible working arrangements that balance work and personal responsibilities.

The policy should cover the procedure for requests, the roles and responsibilities expected of employees and managers, and cover the relevant legislative requirements.  

2.     Investing in the right equipment and technology:

Create a checklist of all the IT and infrastructure your home-working staff will need to thrive and make sure they have got it. This could include computers, screens, phones, and electricity or telecommunication costs. Getting this right will ensure compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and positively impact an employee’s work-life balance.

3.     Feedback loops

A well-working feedback loop will encourage employee retention. Making sure there are clear expectations through regular and consistent communication with team members will maintain a healthy work culture. Holding regular 1-to-1 catch-ups will ensure employees feel accountable, valued and a part of a team. Engaging remote workers in weekly meetings virtually or ensuring notes are shared with those who cannot attend, keeping everyone in the loop.

Should flexible working be the way forward for your business? Talk to one of our HR Business Consultants who can support you through managing a transition to flexible working arrangements or responding to a flexible working request.

We’d love to help! Contact us for a free consultation.

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