Flexibility in office unlocks engagement and productivity, by World Economic Forum

High flexibility is the new business agenda for the future of work.

All generations today value flexible working hours.

According to multiple polls, millennials and Generation Zs prioritize flexible working over other advantages, maybe even overcompensation.

Flexibility: pillar of the Good Work Framework

Based on the World Economic Forum’s recent report “The Good Work Framework: A new business agenda for the future of work“, ‘Provide flexibility and protection is one of the five pillars of the Good Work Framework and the key component for a new future of work.

Flexibility is frequently used to signify not working in an office. As hybrid working evolves, we’re still having those ‘How many days are you in?’ talks.

However, post-pandemic, flexible working expectations are considerably broader than previously. Companies should begin by defining a clear flexibility strategy as part of their business plan, supported by clear policies and processes (e.g. eligibility) – generating a vision and direction for the whole organization.

Communication, change management, and the appropriate resources and structure (remote workplace setup, technology and security, and job redesign) are also important.

Why flexibility matters?

Based on Gartner’s recent report about productivity, 43% of respondents cited factors of time efficiency and flexibility as their main reason for increased productivity.

Fixed or formal flexible work arrangements (e.g., working part-time) remain vital for people who demand more assurance about when they must or must not be available to work.

Most, if not all, official flexible working agreements include some type of part-time work. There are various reasons why people want or require a decreased workload and time commitment to the company, but many are related to their caring obligations.

For example, Singaporeans seek more flexibility because they need to spend time with family is more important than work. According to a survey about family bonds by the Families for Life Council of Singapore, one in two respondents said that could not accept that long working hours prevented them from spending more time with their families.

If Singapore companies adopt flexible working, there are many benefits for both company and people:  

  1. Flexible working makes employees more engaged in their work so as to have high productivity
  2. A flexible working policy allows for waiver of paying the extra operating expenses, and;  
  3. Flexible working hours allow employees to spend more time with their families, preventing them from quitting

Prepare your hybrid office for 2023

There are practically no restrictions on how the trends in offices may help you now and in the future as long as smart technology solutions continue to advance.

Smart office systems have the potential to enhance every aspect of the workplace, including productivity, health and safety, host desking, and employee well-being.

Employing a skilled installer who can create and deploy a unique smart office system tailored to your company’s needs is essential if you want to take full advantage of what smart technology has to offer.

Contact us: hello@ones.software, or visit ONES Software official website for more information: https://ones.software/