Flexible Working
Flexible Working
Business benefits of flexible working
Improved staff recruitment and retention
Offering flexible working will widen the pool of talent that you’re recruiting from. Meeting the needs of your people by enabling them to work flexibly can improve staff retention, particularly for women returning from maternity leave who need to balance family and caring responsibilities with work.
Reduced recruitment and training costs
Improved staff retention reduces your recruitment costs, as well as training costs for new staff. Lower staff turnover means that clients can be reassured by the continuity of dealing with the same people.
Reduced stress levels, sickness and absenteeism
Staff who are able to work flexibly are less likely to experience work-related stress and are less likely to have to take time off because of their caring responsibilities. Flexibility in working hours can also result in reduced travel or childcare costs for staff, further contributing to improved job satisfaction.
Improved time keeping
Research suggests that when people are able to work flexibly and can fit their work around the school run and rush hour traffic, for instance, their ability to arrive on time improves.
Better alignment with product demand
A diverse workforce is more representative of the community it serves. This promotes a culture of creativity and innovation, as a diverse workforce is better placed to understand the needs of a wider range of customers.
Enhanced loyalty and commitment
An employer’s commitment to try and meet staff needs will often be rewarded by greater loyalty from staff.
A reputation as a good employer
Businesses that meet the needs of both the organisation and staff can enjoy a reputation as a good employer. Employers who don’t consider flexible working are not only missing out on the benefits, but they also risk losing valued people.
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