Flexible work schedules are important in the workplace as they allow you to work at different hours than the typical routine of 8 AM to 5 PM from Monday to Friday. You can come in later and leave later, work 40 hours in just four days, or work from home, for example.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, more employers have been offering flexible work schedules and recognizing the benefits of flexible work schedules for both employees and the company. Research indicates that flexible work schedules can improve employee performance and motivation at work, and may reduce absenteeism, lateness, and turnover rates.
Definition and Examples of Flexible Work Schedule
A flexible work schedule provides greater flexibility in hours or location for the employee, the employer, or both. A flexible work schedule can help manage family demands, such as dropping kids off at school, or you might enjoy a personal activity like skiing on Wednesdays.
In Colorado’s ski towns, some employers announce “snow day rules” – if more than 6 inches of snow falls, employees can take leave to go skiing. For example, bike shops might offer “trail research days” for cycling, according to Aryn Schlichting, founder of the job search site Mountain Careers and deputy HR director for Eagle County in Colorado.
Here are common examples of flexible work schedules for a workday from 8 AM to 5 PM:
Flexible Hours
Start the day at 9 AM and finish at 6 PM, with a one-hour lunch, five days a week.
Compressed Work Week
Work longer hours each day for fewer days in the week. Start the day at 8 AM and finish at 7 PM, four days a week, with Fridays off.
Remote or Hybrid Work
Work in the office on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and work from home on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
It is worth noting that the first flexible work program was established in West Germany in 1967, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, which promotes flexible work schedules to reduce pollution from traffic.
When Flexible Work Schedules Work Best
Flexible work schedules do not work in every industry, profession, or job. Here are some general guidelines to determine whether a flexible work schedule could be beneficial for you and your employer:
Jobs That Work with Flexible Work Schedules
Flexible work schedules are available in many jobs, although schedules may vary. For example, office jobs might be suitable for flexible hours, while jobs that require teamwork or public interaction may not work as well.
A flexible work schedule may be appropriate if regularity allows you to do your work, including any supervision you perform, does not negatively impact your clients or the people you work with, gives you access to the equipment and technology or other resources you need, poses no threat to information security, and does not negatively affect your motivation or ability to focus.
Jobs That Do Not Work with Flexible Work Schedules
Achieving true flexible work schedules can be difficult in jobs that must be in a specific place at a certain time, such as customer service and some production or manufacturing roles. Schlichting noted that mountain towns, for example, have not been at the forefront of flexible work schedules in general due to workplace culture and guest interaction jobs.
It may…
The flexible work schedule does not work if: it reduces customer service in any way, causes additional costs such as overtime or other expenses, burdens your colleagues with additional responsibilities, or makes it difficult for you to manage the people you supervise.
Jessica Donahue, a human resources consultant and owner of Adjunct Leadership Consulting, said in an email to The Balance: “This doesn’t mean that the company can’t be creative and offer several shifts to choose from based on preferences, to maintain coverage while providing flexibility at the same time.”
Internal professional cultures can also affect how many employees have flexible work schedules, making them feel they shouldn’t seek generous options, even if they are available. For example, in one study, management consultants tended to reject flexible work schedules, even when employers offered them. They considered making those choices would expose them to bullying for not being committed to their work.
How to Request a Flexible Work Schedule from Your Manager
Check the company policy in the employee handbook
Donahue stated: “Generally, most companies offer flexible work arrangements to everyone in the company or some teams as part of a ‘flexible work’ policy, or they don’t offer it at all.”
Find out who the decision-maker is
In small organizations or companies with a flexible policy, you will likely need to speak directly with your manager.
If your company doesn’t have a policy for flexible work schedules, be prepared to discuss the topic with leadership. Donahue said: “When seeking approval to change policy, your audience is the CEO or the broader executive team. It won’t matter how strong the HR team or employee advocates for flexible work are if you can’t convince the executive team to approve and make it happen.”
Schedule an appointment
Book time in the calendar and inform the decision-maker in advance about the topic. Donahue stated: “No one likes surprises. Giving the decision-maker advance notice gives them a chance to think ahead about how they can accommodate your request or not.”
Create a proposal
If you are talking to executives, research and pinpoint the right angle for your arguments for flexible work schedules and why that angle matters to your company. For example, if the company is experiencing a high turnover rate, present studies showing the link between flexible work and employee retention. If costs are a concern, hybrid work schedules can reduce costs by offering an opportunity to downsize actual office space.
Note: Incorporate the company and team goals into your request, whether there is an existing policy or not. If the company prioritizes productivity and meeting attendance, and you want to change your schedule to work earlier, point out how you can accomplish more during quiet hours but still attend important meetings at midday.
Propose a flexible work schedule
First, identify the type of flexible arrangement you are looking for. Common types include flexible hours, compressed workweeks, remote or hybrid work, or a mixture.
Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/proposing-a-flexible-work-arrangement-3545239
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