Flexibility at work is a necessity for employees and employers, alike. Streamlined workforces, shifts in technology and a changing market are just a few reasons why flexibility is the new norm for many organizations. While your company may not have a formal set of rules for a flexible workplace, there are many advantages to be gained by taking on a flexible attitude – and approach, when it comes to your job.

Advantages of Being Flexible – from the Employee’s Perspective

• Embracing change can expand your opportunities. Today’s work environment is fluid. This means those employees who are able to adapt to shifting priorities are considered a valuable asset – above and beyond their skills and experience. Being able to adjust to shifts in organizational dynamics is necessary today.
• Being flexible can help you strike work/life balance. Tele–commuting, the connected workplace and other technologies mean that the lines between work–time and personal–time have blurred. Rather than resist this change, embrace it. While you may need to be flexible and respond to emails during your evening hours, you can also use this flexibility to your advantage. Personal needs – once relegated to weekends alone – can be addressed more easily since we are always connected, in and outside of the office.
• Being flexible will make you more responsive to change. The shifting dynamics of the workplace means that you need to adapt and respond to change, quickly. Resisting this can lead to undue stress. Recognizing and embracing flexibility will help you adapt to difficult situations more easily.

Advantages of Begin Flexible – from the Employer’s Perspective

• Being flexible signals that you value diversity in the workplace. Diversification of the workplace is the new norm. Differing cultures, religions, and employee needs mean that today’s employer must accommodate diversity when it comes to working, thinking and interacting with others. Being flexible will enable you to accommodate the needs of your diverse workforce more readily.
• Flexibility is a good management decision. Managers need to adapt to day-to-day shifts in workplace schedules – employee personal issues, an unexpected influx of work and more. Being flexible creates an environment where employers and employees can look at work and personal needs in a balanced approach, which is mutually beneficial.
• Being flexible is a win-win. Being flexible with your employees is good for business. It builds employee trust and commitment, helps attract and keep key talent, as well as drives everyone to find solutions that work for all those involved.

To read more articles on work-life balance, visit our career center at jobs.localjobnetwork.com.