Think work-life balance doesn’t exist? Think again. Flexible working is the key to restoring harmony in your life – at work and at home.
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The key to work-life balance
Research from Regus suggests more and more people (especially parents), are demanding flexible working options, with the aim of spending more time with their families. Flexible workspace, also known as co-working, offers employees a space to get work done without going into the office or being a full-time stay-at-home parent. This switch to flexible working, has been found to increase productivity and make a significant difference to people’s quality of life.
Want to make the switch? Follow these top tips:
Negotiate with your employer
Convincing your employer to offer flexible working needn’t be a hassle. Find out if you can swap one benefit, like a company gym membership or working through your lunch-break for the flexible option, or sit together and work out a new schedule. The most important thing is to reassure your boss that you can get the work done.
Consider your location
A Regus survey shows that the number one activity parents spend their time on, instead of commuting, is being with family. With co-working and flexible spaces in more locations than ever, if it’s better for you to be around your kids, or near a client rather than in the office, flexible working can make this shift possible.
Banish presenteeism
For many people, especially parents with teenagers who have plenty of extra murals, a 9 – 5 schedule where you’re stuck in an office, doesn’t quite work. To get the most out of flexible working, see if you can adapt your schedule with a late start and late finish, or an early start and early finish. Or, throw the schedule out the window and focus on delivering results!
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Flex your flexible working
Can’t make the switch to full-time flexible working? See if you can have the option available in an emergency, such as family commitments or a tight schedule. Don’t use flexible workspace everyday if you don’t need to – but it’s good to know that when you do need it, the option is available.
Jo-Anne Bushell, IWG Managing Director for Africa, says, “The pace of modern working can make managing the work-life balance tough for anyone – but parents especially struggle to ensure family and career exist in harmony.
Using flexible workspace provides parents with a solution by cutting down the commute time and allowing for a flexible schedule that fits around personal commitments. The number of people expressing an interest in the benefits of flexible working is rising, suggesting employers should expect more employees to ask for this when they’re applying for a new role.”
By Features Writer, Savanna Douglas
