Written by: Serena Martino, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
As many professionals in fast-growing companies know, the demands of work can often take over their life. It can be challenging to maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life, and it can be even more challenging to keep that balance while meeting the demands of a growing business.
Embracing flexible work is the solution that can benefit individuals, but also companies. Flexible work in all its forms can lead to increased employee satisfaction, productivity, and retention: it’s a good way for companies to attract and retain top talent, as well as reduce overhead costs. Also, companies that embrace flexible work are often better positioned to adapt to fast-changing market conditions and remain competitive.
Here are 3 ways you can embrace flexible work to maximize work-life balance and company performance.
1. Remote work is not a place.
One of the most significant shifts in the work environment over the past year has been the rise of hybrid work. There has been so much discussion about returning to the office and whether it should be mandated or optional for workers. While this discussion will continue for a while, the reality is that for most online businesses this decision is totally arbitrary. It's important to remember that remote working is not a place: it is a mindset that requires to be flexible and adaptable.
As a company, you can decide if you prefer for people to spend most of their time meeting face to face; if you prefer to hire people anywhere they live in the world, or anything in between. But if you need to truly build a company that can scale globally, you have to ensure that your team can do their work wherever they are, and be able to have the same optimal performance as if you are all squeezed together on the same floor.
One of the keys to making remote work successful is communication. You need to communicate goals and expectations clearly with your team and avoid information silos. Put real trust in employees and ensure everyone knows where they can add value. You can be a remote-first company and have employees coming to an office. You'll be set for success independently from where people are sitting.
2. Flexible schedule to maximize performance.
This has a clear advantage for workers as they can better adjust their work hours to accommodate their personal life. For example, they can start work early and finish early, so you can pick up your children from school. Or, they might be able to work longer hours on some days to take a few hours off during the week.
For international companies, an additional benefit is to have more availability to cover work at certain times (or days) that are not traditional business hours or ease communication with people in very different time zones.
The overall clear benefit of a flexible schedule is that it can boost performance. When you're able to work when and where you're most productive, you're more likely to get things done quickly and efficiently.
To make flexible time and schedule work effectively, you need once again to be proactive to communicate needs and expectations with your team. It’s ok to set boundaries on when people should be available ‒ even when working asynchronously ‒ so people know when to get in touch or expect a response.
3. Flexible workforce.
With more companies struggling with budgeting for new hires, due to uncertain economic situations, flexible contracting is a great solution too often overlooked.
This includes part-time work, contracting work, and fractional work. These types of arrangements allow hiring people on a project-by-project basis or for a set number of hours per week, rather than committing to a full-time position.
Part-time work is ideal for professionals who want to work fewer hours but still want to maintain a connection to the workforce. Part-time work is great to hire parents struggling to return to work full-time, as well as very seasoned workers that have decided to slow down and want to pursue personal interests or hobbies.
Contracting work can reduce the risk of overstaffing or underutilizing employees. This allows companies to manage their workforce more efficiently and avoid the costs associated with employee turnover.
From a worker's point of view, flexible contracts can provide opportunities for professional growth and be exposed to different industries and work environments, and includes the ability to choose the projects and assignments that are most interesting and rewarding.
In conclusion, the era of flexible work has arrived! When managed correctly is a powerful way to maximize employees’ work-life balance and company performance. We must move beyond the office vs. home option and think about flexibility in its full variety.
If you need a partner to help you future-proof your business you are welcome to reach out to me via LinkedIn or my website.
Serena Martino, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Serena Martino is an Executive and Business Coach (ACC with ICF) with abundant Leadership experience both in Corporate and Startup environments, with a focus on Tech, eCommerce, and Travel. Having worked in 6 different countries and with teams around the World, she understands cultural diversity and the complex dynamics of scaling internationally. She works with leaders at all levels: her approach is allowing to find the best solution through self-reflection, combined with practical tools from her direct experience in the field. She coaches people through their businesses, empowering teams and individuals to grow with a clear direction. Her mission is to put people at the center of every company.
