Description of a Flexible Workplace
When an employee is happy with his job, he is often a more-productive employee who is able to assist in promoting a positive culture in the workplace environment. Because of the demands in today's workplace, an employee can become overstressed performing his job even if he enjoys it. A flexible workplace encourages mobility and freedom among employees. The hope is that this mobility and autonomy also makes happier and more-productive employees.
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Open Doors
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A flexible workplace promotes scheduling flexibility. According to Annie Toro, Associate Executive Director for Public Interest Government Relations at the American Psychological Association, there is a positive connection between the amount of flexibility an employee has at work and the ability she has to manage her home-work balance. A flexible workplace might allow employees to come in later after dropping off a child at school with a commitment to work later that day. This could be a consistent agreement or a rare occurrence. Employees also may leave early after arriving early or take extended lunches to deal with personal issues.
Overall Culture of Acceptance
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Even if a company's policies allow for employees to have some flexibility in their schedules, some employees do not take advantage of the existing policies because they fear doing so will cause supervisors or fellow employees to view them as not pulling their full weight. They also fear they may be passed over when the time comes to consider promotions and raises. An employer who is committed to allowing flexibility in scheduling should not only allow this flexibility -- it should promote the option. A flexible workplace might have meetings or posters that discuss flexibility options.
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Happy, Healthy Employees
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One of the indicators of a flexible workplace is the overall level of happiness of its employees. Proponents of flexible workplaces believe that this happiness leads to overall job satisfaction and productivity. Flexible workplaces are also less prone to needing to deal with absenteeism. Employees in a flexible workplace are more apt to participate in employer-sponsored health programs and are more likely to live healthier lifestyles.
Ample Technology to Support the Policies
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Because those who work in a flexible workplace are sometimes allowed to work from home to avoid commutes, care for sick family members or simply have uninterrupted time to complete projects, a flexible workplace should provide its employees with the technology they need to be effective. This may include paying for employees' smartphones, installing teleconference equipment or establishing a network to which employees working from home can connect.
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