By Ian Cowley, Managing Director, cartridgesave.co.uk
Flexible working offers a lot of benefits both for you, as a business owner, and your staff. However, there are a few things to remember in order to make it a win/win for both you and your workers. Here is what we’ve learned.
1. Don’t say yes to everyone
Certain job roles like IT, sales, research and web design do not need to be performed in your office in order to be effective. However, we don’t let anyone in our contact centre or warehouse work remotely, because it simply isn’t feasible given their role.
You’ll know instinctively if a role is right for flexible working practices. Where it is, offer it without waiting to be asked. It will be seen as a great perk which helps ensure a happy, motivated workforce.
However, do be very firm in setting parameters for any flexible working agreement.
2. Put targets in place
It is important both you and your employee to know exactly what’s expected from them. Targets allow you to be very explicit and help prevent the remote or flexible worker from being distracted. It’s one thing to work from home, a library or coffee shop, but it’s quite another to be effective!
A set of daily goals to be accomplished should be spelt out. And employees should be made aware you will be regularly checking on their progress. In my experience, people will put up with this increased level of management in return for the perk of flexible working.
3. Create a ‘normal’ routine
Ensure you know how their day will be structured. There may be family reasons for their request for early morning/late evening working. Or maybe they like to break the day with a gym session, making up the time in the evening. Whatever the reason, it’s important you to know when they are available and you feel satisfied that this routine works with your needs.
4. Make them feel part of the team
Employees, even when working remotely, must maintain their presence within a team. Ensure they call, email, even Skype, regularly to keep their team updated on their contribution to shared projects.
Working flexibly is not shorthand for having a jolly and by demonstrating this through actions, rather than words, mutual respect between workmates will be continued. Furthermore it prevents gaps in service. Their colleagues feel able to contact their colleague at any time to deliver what was promised.
If employees work remotely for long periods of time, schedule set dates for them to come in. Face-to-face contact is extremely important for maintain good working relations between colleagues.
5. Keep in touch
Messages, updates and invites should all be extended to employees working remotely for long periods of time. This will ensure they remain invested in the company’s shared goals. Make a point of getting them to come to office nights out as this type of morale boosting, team-building exercise is vital to maintaining a strong sense of unity.