The benefits of flexibility at work

Getting started
So you want to get flexible in your current job. How do you go about convincing your boss?

There is a lot of press at the moment about the benefits of flexibility in the workplace, not only for the individual employee, but also for business.

This press is based on hard evidence from research commissioned by leading lights in the employment industry including The Resource Connection in conjunction with the Industrial Society – so it simply can’t be ignored.

Some persuasive statistics you might use in discussion with your line manager are as follows:

• Absenteeism costs British industry £5 billion per annum
• The current NHS bill for stress-related illness is £2 billion

A recent study revealed that:

• 70% of senior executives in job-share were found to generate 30% more output than one person performing the same role

Another study amongst HR Managers reveals that:

• 85% believe that flexible work generates improved morale and motivation amongst staff
• 66% of HR Managers agreed that the introduction of flexible work practice reduces absenteeism due to lower stress levels and appointments made out of office time

Finding yourself a flexible role
With the huge increase in flexible work in the UK, there are a number of companies providing flexible employment opportunities.

The Resource Connection specialises in the provision of flexible employment and has developed the first professional job-share register supported by a psychometric test to help you find your most suitable jobshare partner. You can contact them on 020 7636 6744 or alternatively, visit the the website to find out who is the best match for you.

Will I be taken seriously?
The more flexibility becomes the norm, the more your new role will be accepted by your colleagues. If you do it, you may be surprised how many of your friends will follow suit.

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