It pays to keep flexible working hours

For those living in the United Kingdom, flexible work options are no longer a perk, but a working right for employees across the board, but this contrasts with the US.

When it comes to the workforce, one of the most common complaints I hear from my friends is the lack of flexible work options. Some find that certain tasks could be done remotely from anywhere around the world, and that not being physically there at the office will not mean that they are less efficient and effective.

The complaints I hear most comes from mothers who want to contribute to the workforce but at the same time do not want to sacrifice their personal lives. For instance, they complain that because most working hours are too long they do not spend enough time with their family, which could affect their personal relationships with their spouse and children.

Working from home and having flexible working hours is a dream for many. Think about working in the comfort of your pyjamas, taking conference calls while you’re lying down on your couch and avoiding the hectic morning traffic. Not to mention the relief many mothers will feel for staying at home with their kids and not worrying about leaving them at day care centres or with the help.

For those living in the United Kingdom, flexible work options are no longer a perk, but a working right for employees across the board.

A new law went into effect in the UK that gives all employees the right to ask for flexible work options, and employers have the right to refuse only if they have a legal reason.

The United States, however, is a contrasting situation. The Department of Labor says: “Alternative work arrangements such as flexible work schedules are a matter of agreement between the employer and the employee.”

But on a corporate level, things are quite different and many organisations have adopted that option. Walt Disney and Google are two American organisations known to promote flexible work schedules for their employees. Google is recognised as promoter of personal and professional life balance, in which employees learn how to manage their time and collaborate with each other using a flexible schedule.

Thanks to technological advances, we are more connected than ever. We communicate with each other through email, SMS and video conference calls if needed. While face-to-face interactions are extremely important so that one does not feel that they are connected to a robot, they do not have to be on a daily basis for some organisations.

On my team at work we have a member who conducts her work remotely. We go over the daily goals every morning either through phone or email, and then follow up with each other throughout the day. She comes to the office once a week and at other times when needed.

Is this arrangement any different from having someone physically at the desk every day? In my case and for the type of work that we do, I do not see any difference. I do not believe that this arrangement has hindered her effectiveness and work efficiency. It is also worth mentioning that this arrangement is not applicable to all work types such as police force and medicine.

What is good about this arrangement? Plenty. Numerous human resources articles highlight the benefits of flexible work hours – an empowered workforce, increased staff retention, attractiveness to potential excellent employees and a happier workforce. Having happier, healthier employees decreases turnover and health insurance bills.

People at a business start-up phase would find this arrangement very attractive and it would expedite their business growth and expansion. Saving on dedicated office space is something many small and medium enterprises consider, and the options of working with excellent employees who do not necessarily reside within the same area are priceless.

Work flexibility options are not only good to employees, but to employers and companies as well. A study done by Vodafone UK, a telecommunications operator, last year found that UK companies could potentially save up to £34 billion (Dh208.24bn) by opting for flexible working hours and freeing up desk space.

Work flexibility is important to maintain a professional-personal balance, and to not sacrifice one over the other.

As for me, I will keep an eye on the UK’s new rule and monitor its effect on the workforce.

Manar Al Hinai is an award-winning Emirati writer based in Abu Dhabi. Follow her on Twiter: @manar_alhinai

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