Increased profits and job satisfaction. Reduced absenteeism. Productive, happier employees.
What’s not to like about flexible working?
Employees are increasingly concerned about achieving a healthy work-life balance and organisations which offerflexibility often find increased levels of satisfaction among their employees. Flexible working can allow employees to adapt their ways of working to best suit their needs, while still being dedicated to their careers.
According to a survey conducted by recruiting firm Ranstad, Canadians want more flexibility in the workplace. 70,000 Canadians were polled with nearly two-thirds (64%) stating they would like to work remotely at least occasionally. Overall, 44% of Canadians are not satisfied with their work schedule, ranking 10th out of 25 countries surveyed.
Between May 16 and June 30, 2016, the Government of Canada will be consulting with Canadians on how to help regulated employees better manage work and family and other personal responsibilities. This can be done by introducing flexible work, such as flexible start and finish times can help employees balance these often competing responsibilities.
The Canadian Government has pledged to allow workers in federally regulated sectors to formally requestflexible working from their employees. Therefore, the Government are currently consulting with Canadians to explore which flexible working arrangements would help them to best manage the demands of personal and family responsibilities.
According to a survey by Vodafone, Flexible: friend or foe?, 75% of organisations globally have now introduced flexible working polices. The survey polled 8,000 employees and employers in 10 countries and found that respondents believed their performance had increased as a result of introducing flexible working in to their organisation.
Some other interesting figures collected from the survey highlight the positive effects of flexible working. 61%stated their organisations profits increased, 83% reported an improvement in productivity, and 58% believe flexible working has had a positive impact on the organisation’s reputation.
So, what are the benefits of flexible working?
- Increased ability to attract, retain and motivate high-performing and experienced employees
- Reduced absenteeism
- Helps employees manage their responsibilities outside of work
- Increased job satisfaction, energy, creativity, and ability to handle stress
It is evident from the results of both surveys that there is an increased demand for flexible working globally, especially in Canada.
If you are interested in learning more about Softworks flexible working or any of our many other systems, talk toSoftworks today, with over 25 years’ experience, we have a great story to share!
Download our free white paper: How to Strategically Use Flexible Working Arrangements to Benefit your Business.
