Balancing flexible working with your office space

27 Jul 2023 By Huntress

Balancing flexible working with your office space

Companies having to adapt to changes is now normality, particularly since Covid times and will prove even more important as the Flexible Working Bill has been passed. To put it simply, the new Bill will allow employees to request a variation of flexible working from their first day of employment. The requests could specify working hours, times, and locations which would be subject to terms and conditions, and employers will need to be prepared to hold more open conversations around this.

58% of businesses are now giving employees some option of flexible working, and hybrid working is considered an expectation from many candidates looking for a new role. Although this flexibility has seen an improvement in employee well-being, productivity, and workplace culture, it can make decisions around financial investment in physical office space difficult for employers.

While there are advantages to hybrid working, it is important to recognise that certain roles often function better when office based. Sales is a great example of this where creating a collective buzz is motivational for everyone involved. With new rules in place Managers will have to be prepared to hold conversations around why flexible working might not be work in certain situations.

Collaborative and team-oriented roles often benefit from in-person interactions, enhancing teamwork, creativity, and a sociable culture. However, the suitability of remote and hybrid working does differ depending on the nature of the role. Ultimately, the hybrid model allows employees to have the best of both worlds and who wouldn’t want that!?

HOW WOULD FLEXIBILITY AFFECT CANDIDATE ATTRACTION TO YOUR BUSINESS?

Offering hybrid working means attracting significantly more to candidates than a 100% office-based working pattern. Research has shown that job postings mentioning wellbeing, flexibility or company culture have had a 49% increase in applications in comparison to others which don’t.

In a recent poll we asked ‘how often does your company expect you to work in the office?’ and surprisingly the results were very balanced in comparison to the results we would have previous expected in the recent past. Out of 621 votes, 35% are expected to be in the office for 1 – 2 days, whereas 23% opted for completely remote, and 22% fully office based. The results suggest that the wide variety of working models available to candidates will continue to make remote and hybrid positions more attractive.

The decrease in remote opportunities is likely due to the immediate impact after the pandemic subsided, with many transitioning to the hybrid working model. However, the number of office-based work suggests that the expectation of being in the office is rising, and whilst remote roles slowly decrease for many, companies are gradually adapting to a more flexible approach which entirely depends on the individual’s preference, role, and company requirements.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HYBRID WORKING AND FLEXIBLE WORKING?

Hybrid working only refers to the flexibility of the place of work. Employees who hybrid work will work partly in the office and partly at home.

However, flexible working covers the working hours, the place of work, the time an employee is required to work, and sometimes more.

Both options do give your employees the benefit of fluidity at work however flexible working does provide the opportunity to work around their lives and therefore have a bigger impact on work-life balance.

HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT BALANCE?

Unfortunately, there is no straightforward solution as it completely depends on the structure of your company, what you are willing to put in place, and how many of your employees request more flexibility. However, to make the right decision for your business, current employees, and future growth, ask the following questions: