Introducing Workplace Flexibility

How to Start into Your Business

an understanding to see if this is also right for you. Cherry pick ideas and initiatives to explore that align with your goals and leave behind those that are too hard or complicated to currently implement.

Flip-flopping Creates Chaos

So what’s right for you and how do you possibly start to navigate such politically charged waters? You want to keep your staff happy but you want to make sure that the flexibility you're providing them is going to work for the business (and KEEP you in business.)

Here are some pointers to get you making the right choice.

Do Your Research

While you know what’s best for your business, it doesn’t hurt to peek over into someone else’ backyard every now and then. By doing some desktop research into what your competitors and your industry are doing you can start to get

Trialing certain flexibility initiatives like a 9 day fortnight or adopting a hybrid model are a great way to see what’s working for everyone and what’s not hitting the mark. As the business owner, you have the right to rescind on any initiatives when they are just not working. But if you continue to trial and pull up stumps at the first sign of a hiccup, it’s not going to end well.

Employees need time to figure things out, iron out the kinks, get used to the systems and processes. If you don’t allow time for employees to get into a groove with a new initiative they are going to lose trust.

Listening to Your Employees Makes Sense

To avoid the chaos that can ensue when trialing new flexibility policies, make sure you listen to your employees. What do they want? What will make them happy? What is going to keep them productive, flexible and willing to continue to work for you?

The simplest thing is just to ask. Surveys and brainstorming sessions are a great way to listen and implement exactly what people want. You may find that your employees value face to face connections, or they are passionate about clocking off earlier to spend time with family and friends.

Once you create a policy that works for both you and your employees you're on the right path to creating lasting relationships that are built on mutual trust.

Be Reasonable - the market has changed.

Flexibility is all about flexibility and it’s here to stay. The market has definitely changed and looking to increase workplace flexibility will not only keep your employees happy and productive, but will also attract top talent to the business. Being flexible doesn’t mean that you have to people-please or bend over to the will of your employees . It means building a respectful agreement that your employees feel connected in being a part of and is a win-win for both parties. talkagency.com.au/author/ genevieve-mcmullen

You will find your staff more productive and your business thriving. People are the key to business growth and it starts with flexibility.