Recent research laid out in “The Secret to Productive Employees: A Radical Shift in Work Flexibility” from Gartner explores the concept of work flexibility and how it can be a game-changer for employee productivity. The author argues that work flexibility is no longer a nice-to-have perk, but rather a strategic imperative for organizations that want to attract and retain top talent.
When HR leaders reframe flexibility around a whole person’s identity and life experience, they make employees feel understood, autonomous, valued, cared for and invested in their organizations. When you generate these emotions in employees, both the organization and the human beings that comprise them, win.
Gartner suggests that traditional work structures requiring employees to be in the office from 9 to 5 are becoming outdated. Instead, organizations need to embrace a more flexible approach that allows employees to work when and where they are most productive. This could include remote work, flexible schedules, and job sharing.
The piece also highlights the benefits of work flexibility, including increased employee engagement, improved work-life balance, and higher productivity—noting that employees who have control over their work schedules are more likely to be engaged and committed to their work, resulting in higher levels of productivity.
At Kantola, we believe this can mean shifting from an employee-centered value proposition to a human-centered value proposition that treats employees as people, not just workers.
Managers are encouraged to set clear expectations for employees, provide the necessary technology and resources to support remote work, and communicate regularly with remote employees to ensure they feel connected to the organization.
Experts ultimately believe this is essential for organizations that want to attract and retain top talent and increase productivity. By embracing a more flexible approach to work, organizations can create a more engaged and productive workforce that is better able to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing business landscape.
