Creating a culture that supports flexibility for employees is good business:
- Forbes.com cites a variety of studies showing that optimal workplace flexibility is a smart strategy – yielding a broader talent pool, higher morale, greater productivity and more committed employees.
- According to a 2013 Survey on Workplace Flexibility by WorldatWork, organizations that rated themselves as having an established “flexibility culture” say that workplace flexibility positively impacts employee engagement (85%), motivation (84%), and satisfaction (92%).
Is your company doing enough to build a work environment that supports flexibility – or is it high time for a culture change? Today, Corps Team shares four steps to creating a more flexible work environment that’s conducive to success:
Get buy-in at all levels. To bring about a real change in your culture, everyone from senior managers to front-line employees must be committed. Before moving forward with your initiative, make sure everyone understands:
- the benefits a culture of flexibility offers
- the business impact any given program will have on your organization
- the needs and circumstances of employees
- the operational and managerial changes that may be required
Consider all your options. “Workplace flexibility” can take many forms. Typically, managers think of offering flex time and telecommuting, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. In addition to these traditional offerings, consider the viability of:
- Compressed workweeks
- Job sharing
- Greater autonomy (giving employees more control over how and when work is done, when appropriate)
- A “results-only” work environment (compensating employees based on the results they produce – not the hours they work)
Find out what employees want most. Conduct a simple survey to determine what types of flexible work options matter most to your staff.
Start small. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and you can’t expect to revamp your corporate culture overnight. Focus your efforts on one or two change initiatives that resonate most with employees and also align with your organization’s goals.
High-performing professionals want to work for companies that respect their preferences and priorities. By implementing these suggestions, you’ll build a culture that affords employees greater flexibility – and ultimately improves recruiting, retention and organizational success.
Corps Team provides talented contract professionals and executives who can support your core employees’ need for flexibility. Contact your local Corps Team office to learn more.