Over the last fifteen months many companies went from talking about flexibility to implementing it almost overnight. This shift is hugely significant for women in particular who have long seen their careers limited by the juggle of home responsibilities, long commutes and full days in an office environment.
As companies start to talk about what the future holds, it’s time for women to speak up and ask for a permanent shift to long term flexibility. A lot of women might be hesitant to do so as they assume the role they’re in isn’t a good fit for flexibility, but what they don’t understand is that there are different types of flexibility on offer. It’s empowering to get to grips with the options available to you before you accept the status quo your company is offering.
When you break it down, there are two main types of flexibility: Workplace flexibility, which pertains to work location, and flexible work hours.
Workplace Flexibility
If it is possible for you to do your job from a location other than the office, you can think about suggesting workplace flexibility to your boss. Otherwise known as working from home or remote work, there are many benefits to both you as the employee and the employer, such as increased productivity, better work-life balance and lowered company costs.
If 100% remote work would not suit your job requirements, you could consider speaking to your employer about a hybrid-working model. A hybrid-working model falls within workplace flexibility. It’s a location flexibility agreement which would give you the freedom to work a combination of on-site and off-site as required by the job and as agreed with your employer.
Flexible Work Hours
From mornings-only to set hours a week or month, many jobs are suited to work hour flexibility. Consider, for example, joining a small start-up in a marketing position for only three mornings a week. They might not need someone full time while their company is still setting up and the flexibility might suit you as well. Your role could grow into a full-time position as the company grows. Flexible work hours can be used in conjunction with workplace flexibility should the job be one which can be performed remotely or in-part remotely (hybrid-working model).
There will always be jobs which are best suited to a full-time in-office, 8 hours a day structure. However, you could consider discussing with your employer the option of micro flexibility. This allows you the opportunity to commit to a full-time position with the knowledge you will be given the freedom and flexibility to attend to family emergencies should they arise.
With words like hybrid, micro and remote being thrown around, it’s easy to get confused. Flexibility is not a one-size fits all concept but it’s worth taking the time to wade through the options in order to find the best fit for both you and your company.
This article was supplied by www.RecruitMyMom.co.za , a trusted, online award-winning, woman focused recruitment agency.
