Flexibility in the workplace refers to one’s ability and willingness to respond and adjust to changes, by balancing their core beliefs with the appropriate reaction to change. In other words, workplace flexibility is a strategy of responding to changing circumstances and expectations. Employees who approach their job with a flexible mind-set are typically more highly valued by employers. Similarly, employers who cultivate a flexible work environment are attractive to employees. Workplace flexibility is often used as a tool for retaining and engaging employees. Net photo. Martin Hakizimana, a lecturer says flexibility in the workplace allows both employers and employees to make arrangements about working conditions that suit them. This, he notes that it also helps employees maintain a work-life balance. While on the side of employers, it can help them improve the productivity and efficiency of their business. To stay flexible in the working environment, Hakizimana says there is need to learn the benefits that come along with it and also what is needed to be flexible. The lecturer goes on to note that when we talk of workplace flexibility, it emphasises the willingness and ability to adapt to change, particularly regarding how and when work gets done. “In a flexible workplace, the needs of both employees and employer are met. Workplace flexibility is often used as a tool for retaining and engaging employees. It can also help an organisation reach its goals thanks to improved productivity,” he adds. Jean Marie Habimana, the director of operations and partnership at Ready for Reading, a local non-government organisation in Eastern Province, thinks that workplace flexibility is a strategy that emphasises being able and willing to adapt to changing circumstances when it comes to how work gets done. He explains that workplace flexibility meets the needs of both the business and its workers as well as enhancing work-life balance for employees, leading to greater satisfaction and retention. He believes that a great work-life balance builds trust and commitment within the workplace, which can increase productivity. Experts also believe that for employers, flexibility skills are also relevant when it comes to approach management, especially with what it takes to handle employees. Flexible managers treat employees as individuals and make an effort to accommodate personal styles and needs. For instance, managers who are flexible provide workers with greater latitude about the way they accomplish goals. They assess the needs of employees and provide feedback, guidance and recognition individually to optimise performance. Some examples of workplace flexibility on the part of a manager include: analysing the style and preferences of individual subordinates, praising the work of a productive employee more frequently among others. Ways to implement it Studies have identified that a solid work-life balance is necessary for both employers and employees, steering away from a traditional 9-to-5 workplace structure that dictates the whereabouts of an employee. Moving toward a modern workplace model that improves employee satisfaction and productivity, is ideal in today’s job climate. On the side of employees, Hakizimana says workers with an orientation towards flexibility when they are asked to take on a new assignment, don’t find a reason to give excuses, and instead, such employees modify their approach to tasks based on the preferences of stakeholders and the unique demands of each situation. He notes that flexibility on the part of a worker could simply be adjusting the hours they work, or working on an off-day to accommodate the needs of the organisation. To demonstrate flexibility, studies show that learning complex new software that will increase efficiency is important. Also, listening carefully to constructive criticism as part of a performance review is important. Employees with a flexible attitude keep the company’s objectives in mind and work to achieve them, tailoring their efforts to the mission at hand.
