| | DECEMBER 2023MANAGEHRMAGAZINE.COM8In MyOpinionAs more organizations globally enforce a return to office, the discussion regarding hybrid working continues to dominate the media and HR forums. Some organizations are gaining media coverage with the introduction of four-day work weeks. However, while these initiatives are often applauded, the nature of a prescribed work pattern is in fact contrary to the idea of flexibility. Instead of discussing whether a nine-day fortnight is better than a four-day work week, or if three days in the office is enough, we should move away from the focus on hybrid and mandated work patterns and instead focus on true flexibility,i.e., giving employees choice, where operationally possible, to decide how, where and when work is performed for the best outcome. Employees are unique and have individual needs that make fitting into set parameters challenging for some and easier for others. When we focus on equity over equality, the ability to flex to meet these needs supports a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace.True flexibility includes a broad range of options, including compressed work weeks, flexible start and finish times, the ability to choose the location of the work, and the opportunity to engage in arrangements, such as job sharing or deciding how a piece of work can best be delivered.The ability to operationalise true flexibility depends on having the right foundations being in place:Leadership capability and a growth mindset: For leaders comfortable with managing based on visible presence, this requires a shift in capability and mindset. Presenteeism is not a sign of productivity and doesn't indicate successful outcomes. Leading flexible teams requires trust in the team, the confidence to have difficult conversations when required, and the ability to lead from a distance. If a business is struggling to implement flexible practices, it is possible that the biggest resistance may come from leaders who are uncertain how to manage in this environment and will require training, coaching and having easy-to-use systems and practices in place to support and ensure a consistent experience across teams.Understanding operational needs: Effective resource planning enables businesses to understand the peaks and troughs of workflows and to accommodate rosters and work patterns accordingly. This can create opportunities for more flexible options, such as spilt shifts, variable rosters, and part-time work FLEXIBILITY IN THE MODERN WORKPLACEAntonia BuckmanBy Antonia Buckman, Head of People Experience, Urban Utilities
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