Homeworking….Could It Work For You?
According to recent research by The Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM), more than half of workers feel trapped by the rigid structure of their workplace. A whopping 74% said that they wanted more freedom and flexibility, so it’s not surprising that homeworking is a trend that savvy employers are considering.
Homeworking will vary between businesses, but the overarching principle is that you allow your staff to carry out their tasks from the comfort of their own space. They might do this once or twice a week, or it might be a more permanent solution.
It’s an approach that can work well for organisations and employees; after all, no one enjoys a long commute, or being stuck in an office all day long.
As a business owner, you’re likely to have a few concerns. Could it really work? Will it provide your staff with the temptation to switch on the TV half way through the day? Or is it a way to show your staff that you trust them?
There’s no denying that there’s a lot to consider, if you are to get it right.
You will need to think about how team members stay in touch, and understand their responsibilities and how they fit into the bigger picture. In some cases, you’ll also have to look at how you can ensure that everyone has the equipment they need, access to appropriate data and any health and safety factors are catered for.
And homeworking isn’t right for everyone. Some of your staff will crave face-to-face contact, and will hate the thought of being stuck at home all day with only their dog for company!
But it’s 2017 and you can’t afford to stay stuck in the past. Utilise the benefits of modern technology, and strengthen your reputation as an employer of choice.
It might be a daunting prospect, and it can be a difficult shift to manage, but get it right, and it could pay dividends.
The concept of a job for life is outdated. If you fail to give your employees what they really crave, and they WILL start to look elsewhere.
If you are considering introducing more flexibility into your business, fill in the Contact Form here or call us on 01604 763494 today to arrange your no-obligation discussion.
