12 examples of flexibility at work described

Flexibility at work has become increasingly important for both employers and employees in recent years. More workers are demanding flexibility in terms of their work hours and location, and companies recognize the benefits of offering this type of working environment. In this article, we will explore 12 examples of flexibility at work, ranging from location to time, and different work models.

Flexibility at work means allowing employees to work when and where they want, within reasonable parameters set by the employer. This can include working remotely, enabling flexible hours arrangements, or having more control over their schedule. The goal is to create a work environment fostering productivity while giving your team members the opportunity to balance their personal and professional lives.

The rise of flexible working practices can be attributed to changing employee expectations, particularly among younger generations like Millennials and Gen Z. These workers value work-life balance and are willing to change jobs to achieve it. Additionally, offering flexibility at work can empower employees and increase their satisfaction, which in turn helps to attract and retain top talent.

Examples of flexibility at work in terms of location

Work location has always been an essential factor for both employers and employees. The traditional office model has dominated the business world for many years but is no longer the only option available. With technological advances and growing demand for work-life balance, flexible working practices have become increasingly popular. Here are three examples of flexibility at work related to location.

1. Full remote work schedule

Also known as telecommuting or telework, a fully remote work schedule enables employees to work from anywhere worldwide as long as they can access the Internet. This type of flexibility at work can be particularly attractive to job applicants who want to work from home or live in a different city or country from their employer. Remote work can also help companies reduce the costs of maintaining a physical office, such as rent and utilities.

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2. Full office

The traditional office model involves employees coming to a physical office space to work every day. While it may not be as flexible as other options, it still offers some advantages. For example, a full office can promote teamwork and collaboration, which may be important for certain projects or job roles.

3. Hybrid work model

A hybrid work model is the perfect mix of both remote and on-site models. This model allows people to work from home part of the time and come into the office for the rest. The schedule can be flexible, depending on the needs of the employee and the employer. This type of flexibility at work provides workers with the best of both worlds. It can also help organizations get the most of remote work with the advantages of a traditional office space.

Location flexibility is becoming increasingly important to team members, and companies offering different options for where employees work will be more attractive to talent. We have covered three examples of flexibility at work: full remote schedule, full office, and hybrid models. By considering the pros and cons of each, businesses can find the right balance for their needs and their staff’s preferences.

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The different flexible working practices related to time

Time is another important factor in work flexibility. Many employees want to  control their work hours to achieve a better work-life balance. Here are five examples of flexibility at work related to time.

4. Flexitime and staggered hours

Flexitime and staggered hours give employees more control over their working hours. Flextime allows employees to choose when they start and finish work as long as they work a set number of hours per day or week. Staggered hours allow employees to work at different times than their colleagues, also known as asynchronous work. This can be useful for employees who need to accommodate personal commitments, such as picking up children from school.

5. Compressed hours

Compressed hours, also called “condensed work week”, involve working the same number of hours in fewer days than usual. For example, an employee might work 10 hours a day over four days instead of five days of 8 hours. This can give employees an extra day off each week, which can be helpful for those who want to spend more time with family or pursue personal interests.

6. Part-time jobs

Part-time jobs involve working fewer hours than a full-time job. This can be a great option for employees who wish to work part-time due to personal commitments or activities, such as caring for children, creating a side business, or volunteering for a cause. Part-time jobs can also be useful for employees who want to transition into retirement gradually.

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7. Unlimited time-off

Unlimited time-off policies allow employees to take as much time off as they need as long as they complete their work responsibilities. This can be a useful option for employees who need to take time off for personal reasons, such as employee burnout or new training.

8. Annual hours

Annual hours involve setting a total number of hours that need to be reached yearly rather than a fixed number of hours per week or month. Team members have more control over when they work. The only rule is to meet the required number of hours by the end of the year. This can be useful for people who want to work more during busy periods and take time off during slower periods.

Offering flexibility in terms of time can be a powerful tool for employers to attract and retain top talent. Flexitime and staggered hours, compressed hours, part-time jobs, unlimited time off, and annual hours are all examples of flexibility at work related to time. By offering different options, companies can accommodate the needs and preferences of their staff and create a positive work environment that fosters productivity and employee satisfaction.

Types of work flexibility based on work models

Work flexibility can also be organized around different work models. Here are some of the most common examples of work flexibility based on work models.

9. Job-sharing

Job-sharing is a flexible work arrangement where two employees share one full-time job. Each employee typically works part-time, with their schedules overlapping to ensure continuity of work. This type of arrangement can benefit workers who need more flexibility in their timetables and companies looking to retain valuable employees who may not be able to work full-time hours.

10. Distributed work

Distributed work, also known as remote work or telecommuting, involves employees working from a location outside of the traditional office. This can include working from home, a co-working space, or any other location with an Internet connection. Distributed teams have greater flexibility in their work environment. For companies, it is a great strategy to save money on office space and related expenses.

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11. Shift swapping

Shift swapping involves employees trading shifts with one another to accommodate their individual schedules better. This can be a useful option for companies that operate outside of standard business hours, such as those in the hospitality or healthcare industries. It can also be a valuable tool for employees with personal obligations requiring them to work non-standard hours.

12. Phased retirement

Phased retirement is a flexible work arrangement that allows people to gradually reduce their working hours as they approach retirement age. This can benefit employees who want to ease into retirement and companies that want to retain team members who may otherwise choose to retire. Phased retirement can also offer a great opportunity for knowledge transfer from older staff to younger ones.

Overall, there are many different ways that companies can implement work flexibility, and choosing the right options will depend on various factors, including the company’s culture, industry, and specific business needs. By providing employees with more flexibility in terms of when, where, and how they work, companies can improve employee satisfaction, attract and retain top talent, and ultimately achieve greater success in their respective industries.

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In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing work environment, offering flexibility is no longer a luxury but a necessity. By allowing flexible work, companies can attract and retain top talent, boost employee satisfaction and productivity, and create a positive organizational culture that values employee well-being. At deskbird, we understand the importance of flexibility at work, and we’re here to help you find the right mix of practices that suit your workers’ needs and business goals. With 12 examples of flexibility at work, you have various options to help you find the one that suits you best!

So, are you ready to embrace this new way of working and take your company to the next level? Request a free demo of the deskbird app to embrace flexible office solutions and take the first step towards a more productive, satisfied, and engaged workforce.