Today's quick thought is about flexible work.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 58% of the U.S. workforce works an hourly wage job. So I'm talking to the 42% of you who don't.
Flexible work schedules are on the rise in that 42% for a number of reasons:
1) Work flow and communication changes: instead of working slowly over 8 hours, many employees work in bursts of high productivity, accomplishing many of their tasks in a much shorter timeframe. Technology has helped to streamline communication and workflow, two major reasons for needing to be physically present for 8 hours with coworkers.
2) Productivity: Numerous studies have established that peak productivity hours vary from person to person, so why are our hours uniform? Companies who implement more flexibility are finding increased productivity due to lowered stress levels as well. One study found that sleep deprivation costs employers an average of $2,000 a year per employee.
3) Employee satisfaction and retention: SHRM cited flexibility as a 'very important' aspect of job satisfaction in their annual Employee Satisfaction and Engagement Report. Employees who wish to have more flexible hours and are given them report higher levels of satisfaction, higher levels of productivity, and more willingness to stay with their current company.
Flexibility comes with a number of risks, and the move to implement more flexibility should be well thought out, but if possible for your company you should think about it. The benefits might surprise you.
And that's your Tuesday Quick Thought.