If there’s been one silver lining to the dreaded dark cloud that is Covid-19, it’s the shift to a more widely accepted attitude towards flexible work situations. Families are fluid. They function best with a bit of flexibility and if your job can offer that, there’s never been a better time to ask for a permanent shift towards workplace flexibility.
Before you do, make sure you’re well educated in the different types of workplace flexibility which are on offer. Remote work? Flexible work hours? Hybrid? Know your stuff so you can be sure what the perfect fit will be for both your job and your family.
Two main types of flexibility
Since the first lockdown, the term ‘flexibility’ has become a bit of a buzzword, but it can mean different things to different people, jobs and companies. To break it down, there are only two main types of flexibility. The first is workplace flexibility which is otherwise known as working from home or remote work. The second is flexible work hours, which can range from mornings-only to set hours per week or month. As you can see, one position could offer both flexible work hours and workplace flexibility and both offer a host of benefits for not only employees but companies as well.
But wait! There’s more!
Don’t forget about hybrid flexibility, whichfalls under workplace flexibility. Hybrid flexibility is a location flexibility agreement where a combination of on/off site work can be agreed upon between yourself and your employee. I.e. you get to work remotely as well as from the office. And then there’s micro flexibility, which falls under flexible work hours. Micro flexibility allows you to take a full time position with the peace of mind you’ll be given small amounts of freedom and flexibility to attend family emergencies etc. should the need arise.
I’ve got it… now what?
Once you’ve wrapped your mind around all the options available and figured out what best suits both you and your company’s needs, approach your boss with caution. Flexibility is a privilege, not a right. You’ve got to prove you’ve earned it. Also bear in mind you’re part of a team. Think through the team dynamic at work and present your boss with how your team could remain as strong, if not stronger, because of your remote working.
If all else fails, join the 100 000 + women who have registered on RecruitMyMom and start looking for your dream job today. We believe that remote and flexible working benefits employers and empowers women for a better work-life integration.
