The Rise Of Flexibility: Why It’s No Longer A Perk But A Necessity

The workplace has undergone a seismic shift in recent years, with flexibility emerging as a cornerstone of modern organisational practices. A recent study by Randstad India underscores this trend, revealing that over 37 per cent of employees are considering quitting their jobs if forced to stretch their work hours. These statistics highlight the growing demand for flexible work arrangements, which are now seen as essential to attracting and retaining talent.

Flexibility as a Competitive Advantage
The competitive landscape for talent acquisition has intensified, with organizations striving to distinguish themselves. Flexibility has become a key differentiator. According to a 2021 report by Gartner, 82 per cent of company leaders plan to allow employees to work remotely at least some of the time, while 47 per cent intend to offer full-time remote options. By embracing flexible work arrangements, companies demonstrate a commitment to employee well-being, work-life balance, and a progressive culture—elements that resonate strongly with today’s workforce.
For instance, Hafele India’s approach to flexibility has been integral to its success. Our hybrid work model, which combines remote and in-office work, has been well-received, leading to higher employee satisfaction and productivity. Additionally, initiatives like “Happy Holidays,” where employees can take time off when needed without rigid scheduling, have further reinforced our commitment to work-life balance.

Structuring Flexibility Without Compromising Productivity
The challenge lies in structuring flexibility to maintain productivity while meeting employee expectations. Several approaches can achieve this balance:
⦁    Remote Work: Allowing work from home or other locations can enhance work-life balance and reduce commuting stress.
⦁    Flexible Hours: Enabling employees to choose their work hours empowers them to manage their time effectively.
⦁    Job Sharing: Two or more employees share the responsibilities of a single position, providing flexibility while ensuring coverage.
⦁    Result-Based Performance: Focusing on outcomes rather than hours worked fosters a more productive and flexible environment.
To effectively balance flexibility with productivity, we have implemented a model that gives employees the freedom to select the work environment that best suits their needs, whether that’s working remotely or from the office. This approach is supported by the Meritocracy driven performance expectations, regular check-ins, and the use of collaborative tools like Microsoft Teams to ensure seamless communication and alignment across teams.
For instance, our sales teams have the flexibility to plan their schedules around customer meetings, while our tech teams often work from home during their peak productivity hours. The key is balancing autonomy with accountability, ensuring that employees meet their goals without feeling micromanaged.

Long-Term Impacts on Culture and Engagement
Flexibility has led to greater empowerment and work-life balance, which are key factors in our company's culture. In a recent internal survey, we found that the majority of our employees cited Hafele as the organization where they have had their longest tenure, attributing this to our culture of flexibility and mutual respect.
However, it’s important to note that flexibility must be coupled with a strong emphasis on communication and inclusivity. Regular town halls, virtual coffee breaks, and team-building activities help maintain a cohesive culture, even when employees are not physically present in the office.
Based on several studies, employees with the option to work flexibly are more likely to report being happy at work, translating into higher engagement levels and lower turnover rates.

Challenges and Solutions in Implementing Flexible Work Policies
While the benefits of flexibility are clear, implementing such policies can present challenges:
⦁    Communication and Collaboration: Maintaining effective communication and collaboration can be challenging in a remote or hybrid work environment
⦁    Technology Infrastructure: Ensuring all employees have access to the necessary technology is crucial for successful remote work
⦁    Managerial Oversight: Managers may need to adapt their leadership styles to effectively support remote or flexible teams
⦁    Work-Life Balance: Employees may struggle to maintain a healthy balance if clear boundaries are not set
To address these challenges, Hafele India has invested in robust collaboration tools and ongoing training programs to equip managers with the skills needed to lead remote teams effectively. These efforts ensure that we maintain productivity while supporting our employees' needs for flexibility.
Flexibility and Its Role in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
Flexibility is also a powerful tool for fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within organizations. Flexible work arrangements accommodate diverse needs, such as those with caregiving responsibilities, disabilities, or other personal commitments, promoting a more inclusive workplace.
Hafele India’s flexible work policies have supported our DEI goals, allowing employees from different backgrounds to thrive. We have been Industry first in introducing ‘Work from anywhere’ for employee groups, long before COVID made it a new normal. 
This approach not only attracts a diverse workforce but also ensures that all employees have the opportunity to contribute meaningfully.

Emerging Trends in Flexibility
Looking ahead, we anticipate several emerging trends in flexibility over the next 5-10 years. The rise of the gig economy, increased use of artificial intelligence in managing remote teams, and the growing importance of mental health in the workplace are all factors that will shape the future of work. Companies will need to stay agile and continuously adapt their policies to stay ahead of these trends.

Conclusion
The demand for flexibility in the workplace is undeniable. As organizations strive to attract and retain top talent, embracing flexibility is no longer a luxury but a strategic imperative. By structuring flexible work arrangements, promoting a culture of trust and addressing the challenges associated with flexibility, companies can create a more productive, engaging, and inclusive workplace. As the landscape continues to evolve, those who adapt and prioritize flexibility will be best positioned to succeed in the years to come. A watch-over healthy output through balanced working using empowerment and rewards are the order of the day than the eye on the clock and presence on a fixed desk.

(The above authored has been curated exclusively for BW People publication, written by Padma Gupta, Director - HR, Customer Experience & Strategy, Hafele India)