- Because nobody ever got ahead by being rigid…
Our work cultures have changed dramatically over the years, and they’re going to change even further in the coming years. This evolution is attributable to many factors, including new technologies, new cultural trends, and more.
Flexibility is likely to be a critical component of the future of work, but why is this the case, and what would that look like?
The Many Forms of Flexibility
Flexibility is a fairly vague term, and it can refer to a variety of different business functions and management styles. For example, more flexible arrangements with employees could mean things like allowing employees to work from home certain days of the week, allowing more flexible or even unlimited vacation time, and giving employees the opportunity to choose or change their responsibilities at will.
Contractor relationships can be extremely flexible for both employers and workers. Neither is bound to a firm agreement with the other, so contractors can work for many different businesses simultaneously, and businesses can choose to work with contractors only when they truly need them. This even extends up the corporate ladder, thanks to the introduction of positions like the fractional CMO. A fractional CMO is very similar to a traditional CMO, but they work on a contractual basis and often serve as a consultant for marketing matters.
You can already see why unlimited flexibility isn’t possible in the workplace. If employees had the option, at least some of them would go on permanent vacation, continuing to take money from the business without really adding anything. But the future of work is certainly more flexible than what we have now.
The Benefits of Flexibility
There are many benefits associated with flexibility for both employees and employers.
· Personal autonomy. Having the freedom to choose your own responsibilities and working hours gives you personal autonomy, which is one of the most important factors for job satisfaction. People like to feel in control of their work, and having flexible workplace accommodations allows them to.
· Adaptability. A flexible workplace is an adaptable workplace. If there is a sudden emergency at home, an employee can leave. If there is a change in market conditions, the business can rapidly adjust. Every party benefits when there’s room to evolve.
· Higher productivity. Flexible working arrangements tend to be associated with higher productivity. There are many reasons for this, including the fact that people have more freedom to experiment and find the best working conditions for their needs. It also ensures that no one stays in an unproductive position for too long.
· Higher morale. Most people prefer working in a flexible workplace, so flexibility is typically associated with a boost in morale. Higher morale leads to higher productivity, higher efficiency, and faster conflict resolution, among other benefits.
· Health and balance. Flexible workplaces also support a healthier work-life balance. As long as your employees take advantage of this, they’ll be physically and mentally healthier for it.
Why Now?
Why are we only now going down this path of increasing flexibility?
· Societal wealth. One motivation is increasing societal wealth. You may not feel wealthy, but the truth is, you have access to technologies and luxuries that past generations could only dream of. Because so much of our daily work can be automated and because we enjoy so much material wealth as a nation, we can afford to be more flexible in our work.
· Technology. Similarly, technology has allowed us far more flexibility than ever before. If there’s a critical meeting you just can’t miss, you can still work from home or even on vacation because you’ll be able to join remotely. If you feel like working on a project at 2 am because you have a surge of energy, you can do that with the work laptop you have at home.
· Changing values. Flexibility is also a result of changing values in our society. For example, traditional pension plans are becoming rarer and rarer, for a multitude of reasons; because of this, many workers feel no sense of loyalty or commitment to their employers. It’s mutually beneficial for both types of parties to remain open and flexible, seeking new opportunities whenever there’s a better fit.
· Increasing demand. Increasing demand from employees and workers is also responsible for pushing employers to offer more flexible terms. With more people in the workforce demanding flexibility, employers must adapt or perish.
A Flexible Future of Work
It’s not entirely clear how or when our business culture will fully adapt to our increasing standards of flexibility. Already, organizations and their cultures have evolved to support more flexible working arrangements. But it may be some time before more traditional, conservative businesses adapt – and there will always be necessary limits in place for employers and employees.