The Advantages and Disadvantages of Flexible Working
There are many advantages for employers, as well as employees, when it comes to be able to work flexibly. Flexible working can involve a variety of different things, like compressing work days, having more flexible working hours, or dialling in from home (telecommuting). It might sound ideal for many, particularly employees, but there are challenges that do exist with flexible working, for both employers and employees.
Even for someone that works from themselves, they flexibility of working isn’t always plain sailing.
So with all of that in mind, here are some of the advantages as well as disadvantages, that can come from flexible working; do you think that it will be right for you? If you think that it will be, then are you currently working in a career that will allow you to do just that? If not, it could be worth looking for a more flexible career, through retraining, for example. Places like Bradley University offer online degrees, so that is worth looking at, if needed. Let’s see if flexible working could work for you.
Advantages for Employees
There is a lot of flexibility that is needed if you have children, or need to have some flexibility for life responsibilities, such as caring for a parent, for example. If you have a flexible working schedule, then you can be there for your children when you need to, and have a better work-life balance.
When you are able to work from home, it can mean reduced time having to commute, as well as being your emissions and costs are reduced for commuting. Having to only go into the office two days a week rather than five, for example, can make a massive difference.
With flexible working there is an increased feeling of personal control over what you have to do, your schedule, and the environment that you are working in. One of the reasons many people want to work for themselves is because of control and the power that it can have. So if an employer allows their team to work flexibly and work their chosen schedule and work environment, you appeal to their need to have control over their work.
Disadvantages for Employees
Some employees can really thrive in an office environment, and they may find it difficult to get themselves motivated when they are just working alone at home. Which is why it can be a good idea to have some days in the office, but the flexibility to work from home on other days.
The control over your own schedule is great, but because there is no set hours, it can mean that you often work more. You’re less likely to take a break for things like lunch when you’re at home, simply because you don’t have the distractions so just get on with work. But because of the working hours, you can find it hard to switch off. Plus, as you might need some flexibility, it could mean that you then work late into the night, as you had the afternoon off for your child’s dance recital, for example.