The world has changed so rapidly in recent years. Pandemics, economic fluctuations, an influx of new, revolutionary technology – these have resulted in a slew of societal changes, with one prominent aspect being an accelerated demand for flexible workspaces.
Organisations in capital cities like Melbourne, Sydney & Brisbane are rethinking their work plan as they realise it isn’t always necessary to rent expensive office spaces and force employees to travel there daily.
If you are considering flexible work arrangements for your office spaces, our team at workspace365 have compiled four best practice measures to help you succeed.
1. Define the Goals of the Arrangement
Before implementing flexible work arrangements, you must first define the objectives. In other words, what are you hoping to achieve by offering this work plan to employees?
This could include:
- Reducing costs
- Increasing productivity
- Improving work/life balance
- Accommodating employees with childcare or eldercare responsibilities
- And more
Once you know the goals of the arrangement, you can start to look at different types of arrangements for a flexible workspace that might best meet those needs.
2. Consider the Impact on Your Business Operations
Flexible work arrangements can significantly impact your business operations, so it’s essential to consider how each type of arrangement might affect your specific business needs. For example, if you’re considering allowing employees to work from home, you’ll need to consider how that will impact customer service, communication, and collaboration within your organisation.
3. Communicate the arrangement clearly to employees.
Once you’ve decided on a flexible work arrangement that you believe will work best for your organisation, it’s important to communicate the arrangement clearly to employees. Be sure to explain the goals of the arrangement and how it will impact business operations. You should also provide employees with clear guidelines for successfully managing their work under the new arrangement.
Some ways to prepare for success include:
Structured Operating Procedures for Flexible Working
Set clear guidelines and expectations for employees who are working flexibly. This will help ensure that work is still getting done and that everyone is on the same page.
Introduce the Appropriate Technology
It is important to have the right technology in place to make flexible working arrangements successful. This might include video conferencing software, online collaboration tools, or even just a good chat program.
Remote Training for Workers
If you have employees working remotely, ensure they receive proper training on how to use the appropriate technology to prevent any communication breakdowns or technical difficulties.
Initiate a Pilot Program to Test Processes
Before implementing flexible working arrangements on a large scale, it is often helpful to test them out with a small group of employees first. Doing so will iron out any kinks and ensure everything is running smoothly.
Establish Communication Patterns
When employees are working remotely or at different hours, it is essential to establish clear communication patterns. This might mean regular check-ins via phone or video conference or sending out daily or weekly updates.
4. Evaluate the arrangement regularly.
Flexible work arrangements are not a “set it and forget it” solution – they must be monitored and evaluated regularly to ensure they are still meeting your organisation’s and employees’ needs. Be sure to check in with employees regularly to see how they are adjusting to the new arrangement and if any areas need improvement.
Consider the following practices to assist:
Maintain Productivity Metrics
Even when employees work flexibly, maintaining productivity metrics is still essential to ensure work is getting done and everyone is meeting their goals.
Make Various Scheduling Options Available
It is important to make various scheduling options available to accommodate different schedules and preferences. This might include part-time, full-time, or even job share arrangements.
Conduct Surveys to Gauge Employee Satisfaction
Periodically conducting surveys can help you to gauge employee satisfaction with flexible working arrangements. Feedback can be used to adjust as needed to ensure everyone is happy and productive.
Consider a Flexible Work Plan for Your Office Space with workspace365 in Melbourne & Sydney.
Flexible work arrangements can be a great way to meet your organisation’s and employees’ changing needs. Learn more about the benefits of flexi desk & coworking spaces by contacting us at workspace365 today.