Flexible working comes in many forms; you can agree on having flexible daily hours, compress working days or work remotely. Whichever one of the three you choose, whether you are an employee or employer, you stand to reap bountiful benefits from flexible working. If your manager is proposing a flexible working schedule, or your employee has the same request and you are wondering what is in it for you, the following is why you should go for it.

1. It saves money

The main goal for business owners is to minimize expenses in order to maximize profits. Flexible working allows for this in a number of ways. One, employees who work on a flexible schedule are highly satisfied and happy with their work, so they are likely to hold on to the job longer. This saves a lot of money in hiring and training costs. Second, flexible working, especially in telecommuting, allows employees to work from home or from a coworking space. This saves money on renting office space and office expenses associated with workers working from an office such as office furniture and computers.

The ability to work from home or just to pop into a coworking space in the neighborhood saves employees a lot of money in commuting expenses. If the arrangement is to have reduced hours, the employee can avoid commuting to the office during rush hours, which saves on gas money. They are also most likely to be able to take care of their families themselves, saving on babysitting expenses.

2. There is increased productivity

Everyone is wired differently; while there is a person who is most productive in the morning, there is also another one whose productivity is optimized in the evening. By allowing employees to have a flexible working schedule, they gain more control of the hours and work when they are more productive. They will be energized to work their best during these hours, which translates to increased productivity.

When employees are allowed a flexible working schedule, they are likely to have a more improved work-life balance. Having a better work-life balance means that they have time to do the things they like and be with their family, which leaves them happy and stress-free. This will have a positive effect on their morale, and of course, influence favorably on their productivity. Things that they would otherwise take paid leave to attend to can now be done without affecting attendance or concentration, which means that the employer will have fewer cases of absenteeism.

3. It builds trust

Trust and mutual respect between employers and employees is paramount for a successful employer-employee relationship, which many strive to attain. When an employer provides a flexible working environment, he is telling the employee that he trusts him to get the job done even without supervision. The employee in return feels trusted to be given such an opportunity, which drives loyalty towards the employer. The freedom they gain motivates them to work extra hard to keep the trust going.

4. It gives a global positioning

Flexible working especially telecommuting opens up employers to the world. They gain the ability to hire the best of minds from anywhere in the world, known as international PEO, this option gives people some great opportunities. This can also give the opportunity to expand operations to areas where they have employees translating to increased turnover. In the same lengths, by opening up to the idea of flexible working, an employee is exposed to employment opportunities from anywhere in the globe. This allows them to work in areas they are most experienced in and in return gain job satisfaction.

5. It brings about improved health and general wellness

Employees working with a flexible schedule have a lot of time to do other things such as exercise and take care of their health. In addition, they benefit from longer and better quality sleep, which is associated with improved psychological health. They experience energy boosts and are free from fatigue and physical distress. For the employer, this means better quality and improved output. Happy and stress-free employees also mean a happy and stress-free employer.

Conclusion

Both the employer and employee benefit from a flexible working schedule in a great way.  While the employer looks to increase profits, the employee also wants to take home more money, attain increased work-life balance as well as enjoy job satisfaction. Flexible working can grant each of them the above, build trust and enhance a better working relationship.

Yolanda Wells works as a career consultant and a part-time writer, currently living in Boston, US.