[2023 HR Trend] The Future Of Work Is Flexibility For All Employees

Flexibility has become a key buzzword in today’s working culture, and for good reason. It is the ability to choose one’s work schedule, and it is no longer just about working remotely. It can mean working fewer days a week, while working longer hours each day. The concept of flexibility has been embraced by many companies and has become increasingly important to employees, especially as they look to achieve better work-life balance.

The 2023 Future of Working and Learning Report, conducted by Executive Networks Global Research, surveyed 1,301 workers and found that more knowledge workers and frontline workers preferred flexibility in when work gets done over flexibility in where work happens. This means that while working remotely is still an option, it is not the top priority for workers. Instead, they want the flexibility to choose when they work.

For knowledge workers, working asynchronously is a key aspect of flexibility. This means that employers need to create a culture that respects work-life boundaries, trusts workers to do their jobs outside of the traditional 9-5 workday, and sets guardrails on where live synchronous work can take place. This allows workers to have more control over their schedules and achieve a better work-life balance.

Frontline workers also desire work flexibility. Companies like Chick-Fil-A have introduced work schedules that allow workers to work 13-14 hours on three consecutive days with full-time pay, resulting in increased employee retention. This type of flexibility allows frontline workers to balance their work and personal lives more effectively.

Work flexibility is not just a benefit in a tight labor market. It is something that all workers desire, and it is important for employers to provide it. The question is, what new work rhythms can we create that will allow for flexibility for all workers?

One solution is to implement a results-only work environment (ROWE). A ROWE is a work environment where employees are not required to be in the office during specific hours, but are instead evaluated on their results. This allows employees to have more control over their schedules and work when they are most productive.

Another solution is to implement a compressed workweek. This means that employees work longer hours for fewer days per week. For example, instead of working five 8-hour days, employees could work four 10-hour days. This allows employees to have a longer weekend and more time to focus on personal commitments.

Flexibility in work schedules is essential for today’s workers. It allows them to balance work and personal commitments more effectively and achieve a better work-life balance. Employers need to recognize the importance of flexibility and create work environments that allow for it. This includes creating a culture that respects work-life boundaries, trusts workers to do their jobs outside of traditional work hours, and implementing work rhythms that allow for flexibility for all workers. By doing so, employers will not only attract top talent but will also improve employee retention and create a more productive workforce.