As a place of business, we update our computers consistently and frequently, ensuring our operations run smoothly and cohesively. It’s time we start doing the same with our operational functions in the workplace too. In a digital and technologically advanced era, it is essential for all business owners to understand the importance of introducing flexible work arrangements for their employees. 

In this blog we deep dive into flexible work arrangements, and how this employment trend is fast becoming a necessity. 

Flexible work gives employees control over when, where and how they work. Providing a mutual benefit to both the place of employment and the staff. 

With work-life balance becoming less of a desire and more of a requirement in the life of a digital-age employee, workplaces are required to keep up with the needs of their personnel. It’s not only Millennial and Generation Z individuals who are in need of flexible working arrangements, either. From young working parents, to those who may take care of their own elderly parents or have other commitments outside of the workplace, there are benefits to all when workplaces are able to provide solutions to staff, allowing them to navigate work and life balance throughout the millennial era. 

Why is it flexible work important? 

Businesses are not just adjusting to the evolving times at hand – flexible work solutions give businesses the confidence that work will get done, irrespective of situations where employees can’t get into the office, due to adverse weather, illness or personal commitments. 

Believe it or not, flexible work is good for a business. Seeing employees hold an improved job satisfaction and reduced stress levels. While organisations can maximise productivity and alleviate absenteeism levels. 

What does flexible work entail? 

Flexible work doesn’t necessarily correlate with employing an individual to work from home, it just allows for flexible career management to be introduced. 

Regardless of the physical location of your employees, if they have access to the Internet it’s as simple as logging into their IP Handset or Softphone client, and they’ll be looped into the company phone system. Ultimately allowing one to work collaboratively within their team, as if they were in the same office.

How can you introduce flexible work at your place of work? 

Maximise your flexible work solutions for your revolutionised office with these handy tips from our team: 

1. Ensure business documents are made to be available online. Whether it be using a platform such as Google Drive or Office 365. Staff will be able to access documents without the need to access internal hard drives. 

2. Utilise an internal messaging system. Directly connecting teams and employees with each other ensures no missed emails will be encountered. For example Google Hangouts are very effective as it allows employees to communicate in real-time without being face-to-face. 

3. Introduce Cloud PBX solutions to your workplace. Doing so allows for calls received through an office phone to be re-routed to a mobile. Users at home or an alternative office space can utilise a second IP handset wherever they may be. With the same direct phone number and local extension number.  Your customers and clients won’t even realise that you’re working outside of a designated office and you’ll never miss an important call ever again. 

Using the cloud to host your business functions is the first step in ensuring a seamless transition from a work office to an offsite office location. 

Make the best use of your businesses’ in-house technology and connectivity options available to you. The team at Comvergence can help – contact us to enquire about our internet and telephony services.