Flexible work arrangements are the most common way that employers can meet their staffing needs while giving their workers a valuable benefit. Instead of planning your day around a work schedule as in generations past, jobs that allow for alternative scheduling let employees meet their obligations in a way that suits their needs. There are several different types of flexible work arrangements from which to choose, so knowing which options will work best for the office or an employee’s schedule is the key to unlocking the benefits of this opportunity. It is also essential to know the differences between the various types of flex arrangements so that the correct decision can be made each time. Five common methods of flexible scheduling are used in the United States across all industries.
If you are looking for a job with flexible work arrangements or you are a business owner who is thinking about implementing this option, then these are the pros and cons you’ll want to review. List of the Pros of Flexible Work Arrangements1. There is an increased feeling of personal control. Over 20 million people in the United States work a part-time job because of the work-life balance that option provides. 11% of Millennials say that flexibility is their primary priority when looking for a new job. 2. Flexible scheduling reduces staff turnover. 3. It can reduce the cost of commuting. Even if you can only offer a shift in the schedule, it doesn’t take nearly as long to get to work at 6 am as it does when you need to report a couple of hours later. The evening commute works better as well. 4. Flexible scheduling can reduce childcare costs for employees. 5. It can include part-time work as an option. You can also use job sharing as a flexible work arrangement. This option allows 2+ workers who have part-time status to share a full-time position. Although it is an uncommon choice, it is still the best fit for some companies and industries. 6. There are more developmental opportunities. 7. Flexible work arrangements make employees feel more valued. 8. It reduces the amount of stress that occurs in the workplace. 9. Morale increases when flexible arrangements are available. One of the reasons for this advantage is the fact that workers with flex hours feel healthier, sleep better, and those positive effects cascade to the spouse, significant other, and children in the household. The happiness that workers feel when they can get some flex time is a benefit that trickles down to everyone else in that person’s life. 10. Flexible work schedules reduce tardiness and absenteeism. List of the Cons of Flexible Work Arrangements1. Some employees thrive in the social workplace. 2. It blurs the line between personal and professional responsibilities. 3. Flexible work schedules can make people think you’re not working. This disadvantage can extend to other areas of your life as well. Some spiritual communities may not understand your work arrangements and be critical of your choices. There might be resistance from your school because you’re unwilling to volunteer during your regular working hours as well. Even if you communicate your needs well in advance, some people may never understand. 4. There are management challenges to consider. Team-orientated offices or departments will still need to meet as well, which means trying to juggle personal schedules to make things happen. If there are no set guidelines that govern the decisions in this area, then there are going to be people who take advantage of them. 5. Even with structure, some workers fail to thrive with flexibility. It is not unusual for the employees who work in the office to think of their telecommuting colleagues as “slackers.” Those who work other forms of flexible scheduling can fall into this category as well. When no one can see a person’s responsibilities fulfilled, then discontent can start to rise because everyone else feels like they need to pick up the slack. 6. Flexible work schedules can change B2B relationships. 7. Some jobs don’t work well with flexible scheduling. Positions that women traditionally hold fall into this disadvantage too. There are sometimes inherent gender biases that make it challenging for a woman to get the same levels of flex time that men receive. It is an issue that varies between employers, but it is something that your HR department will want to keep in mind if you are a business owner. 8. Flexible schedules can create an unhealthy relationship with work. Conclusion In most situations, for a majority of industries, the advantages of a flexible work schedule usually outweigh the disadvantages that can arise. That is why about 3.9 million employees are working from home at least half of the time. It is a figure that represents about 3% of the entire workforce at this moment. There are still some industries where the benefits of a flexible schedule are challenging to obtain. If you work in retail, at a restaurant, or in the hospitality category, then the options available to you may be minimal. Healthcare professionals rarely get the option to work in this manner, although there might be options to trade shifts with others to create some customization. Anything outside of the traditional 9-5 or 8-5 workweek is considered a flexible work schedule in the United States. Evaluating the pros and cons of this guide can help you to determine if this option is right for your office. |