Pros and cons of flexible working

For someone entering the workforce in 2018, there are many an abundance of concepts – remote working, work-life balance, wellness – that even a decade ago, were very rare. One such initiatives is flexible working arrangements, which are becoming increasingly common and in an ideal world, can provide a win-win scenario for employees and employers alike.

The list of benefits is long and varied but it doesn’t come without its challenges. To ensure a balanced view of the model, here are three reasons flexible working is a good idea and three problems that may be encountered.

Pros

Balance

It’s an obvious one but the flexibility to be able to do something as simple as pick up the kids from school or break up the day with some exercise and still get in a full day of work is a huge bonus for many people.

Time

Even if you are only spending one day a week working remotely, it’s amazing the difference it can make not having to endure the commute from Monday to Friday. The hours you save really add up over time and it can greatly reduce stress too.

Morale

It’s natural that you’ll be in a better state of mind if you’re working the hours that suit your lifestyle and this can translate into your productivity. After all, you’re more likely to work harder and more efficiently if you’re in a good mood.

Cons

Complacency

Working from the comfort of the couch is a great perk but be careful you don’t get too comfortable and neglect your responsibilities. There are more distractions and without someone there checking on what you’re working on, you need to be disciplined to stay on track.

Communication

With smartphones, email, Skype and instant messaging services like Slack, there has never been a better time for keeping in touch with colleagues. However, sometimes a face-to-face meeting is necessary, whether it’s meeting a client or discussing a serious issue with management, and if someone isn’t available because they are away from the office regularly, this can cause tension.

There is no ‘escape’

For most people, their home is a safe place where they can get away from the stress and drama of a workplace and unwind. If your residence is essentially your office, you don’t get this distinction and may struggle to relax in your own home, especially if you find yourself working outside of regular hours.

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