The Business Case For Flexible Working

4th October 2021

Flexible working is an important topic that continues to fuel conversations for employers and employees alike and it’s one that’s here to stay!

9 in 10 employees consider flexible working to be a key motivator to their productivity at work (89% – even more than financial incentives (77%).

There has been a lot said of the benefits to the employees, e.g. less commuting, fitting work around life, lower cost of living etc. However, we feel that there isn’t much on what the business cases are, or how employers can benefit too. Whilst employees can be advocates of such change, we understand that it’s employers who tend to make the final decisions, hence our short piece on it today.

Lower overhead costs

Not having to have a large physical office in a busy, expensive urban area can save companies a substantial amount of money. These funds can then be invested into other areas of the business to generate a return on investment. Less money spent on leases and rent can mean that employees get tech upgrades or more personalised benefits.

Recruitment and retention

Not having a fixed physical location, as well as flexible working hours, enable employers to recruit from a wider pool of people. As a person journeys through life, their circumstances can change. Their employer will then need to make changes for them to continue working there.

For example, some employees may need to change location to be closer to family members or change their working hours. However, if their employer doesn’t have a flexible working policy, that person is likely to leave for a business that does.

On the flip side, having these policies can motivate an employee to stick around for longer as a business has a more ‘elastic’ working structure that can change shape as their life does.

The Tangible Value of Trust

If employees feel as though they are trusted by their managers to be at work, but not physically present, they are more likely to be engaged and productive. Increased revenues, profits and market share are likely to occur as a result.

Less Sick Days

If an employee can work flexibly, it’s more likely that they will need less time off for sickness. Being able to visit a doctor during the working day and shift their hours to later, or work from home because you’re unwell means that productivity level can be higher even when an employee isn’t at 100%.

To be clear, we are firm believers in taking time off if you’re not feeling well, we’re referring to just feeling a little off or having a cold which you don’t want to give to colleagues.

How Trickle Helps Businesses Be More Flexible

These are just a few of the benefits of flexible working. Signing up to Trickle can open up even more benefits, such as understanding and actioning small issues in your organisation before they turn into bigger problems, empowering your employees to voice their opinion and celebrating great work remotely.

Click the link below to get your free demo today.