Workplace Culture | Offering Adaptable Schedules

Today, adaptable work schedules are no longer a luxury—they’re a necessity. Flexible work arrangements, whether hybrid or fully remote, are reshaping the way businesses operate, and employees engage with their jobs. As companies adapt to these changes, the benefits of offering flexibility are becoming increasingly clear, for employee satisfaction and organizational success.

Balancing Flexibility with Business Objectives

Offering adaptable schedules is about more than just meeting employee preferences—it’s also about aligning with business goals. Employees have grown accustomed to working from home, and many now expect this flexibility to remain part of their work-life balance. The challenge for leaders is ensuring that productivity, engagement, and company culture remain strong in a flexible work environment.

Businesses need to shift from traditional views of productivity based on hours spent at a desk to focus on outcomes. Measuring the right metrics and setting clear expectations can help ensure that employees remain motivated and productive, whether working from the office or home.

Boosting Productivity and Employee Well-Being

Flexibility is not only something employees want—it’s something that can improve their performance. With less time spent commuting and fewer distractions, employees often report increased focus and efficiency when working remotely. Employees with a hybrid and flexible work schedule were 12% less likely to experience burnout. Flexible work schedules allow employees to maintain a better balance between their personal and professional lives, which can lead to greater job satisfaction.

For businesses, this means that offering adaptable schedules can result in a more engaged, healthier workforce, which ultimately translates to better business outcomes. Employees who feel supported and trusted to manage their own time are more likely to stay with the company and perform at their best.

Fostering Growth and Connection in a Hybrid Model

One of the main concerns about remote work is that it might limit career development and mentorship opportunities. Without regular face-to-face interactions, employees may miss out on the spontaneous learning that occurs in traditional office settings. However, this can be mitigated with intentional strategies like formal mentorship programs, regular check-ins, and the use of technology to facilitate ongoing feedback and development.

Similarly, maintaining team cohesion and connection in a dispersed workforce requires a thoughtful approach. Virtual team-building activities, regular communication, and strategic in-person meetings can ensure that employees feel connected to their teams and the broader organization, even when they’re not in the same physical space. According to McKinsey’s American Opportunity Survey, 58% of U.S. workers can work remotely at least one day per week; 35% have the option to work from home five days a week; and 87% of those offered flexible work arrangements take advantage of them.

Embracing the Future of Work

Offering adaptable schedules is essential for companies that want to attract and retain top talent. Employees value the flexibility to work from home or choose their hours, and businesses that embrace this shift will benefit from higher productivity, improved well-being, and stronger retention. Organizations can create a work environment where flexibility drives success by focusing on outcomes, fostering growth, and maintaining connections.

Originally featured in UBA’s September 2024 HR Elements Newsletter.