In today’s fast-paced business world, modern working environments are characterised by constant change. Companies are faced with the challenge of developing flexible solutions that not only meet the ever-increasing demands of their employees, but also promote efficiency and productivity. A key element in this process is the use of flexible working models, which are emerging as a key strategy for meeting the diverse needs of the workforce.
The following blog article explores the various aspects of flexible working. In particular, it focuses on analysing the benefits of these models as well as the challenges companies face when implementing them. Special attention will be given to a real-life example – SailyGroup AG.
Definition of flexible working
Let’s start by answering the question of what exactly is meant by flexible working time models. It is a modern response to the dynamic demands of today’s business world. This approach to the organisation of work is characterised by its ability to adapt to the individual needs of employees. At their core, flexible working time models allow for the variable organisation of working hours, breaks and work locations. Employees can therefore decide for themselves when they start and finish work. However, a key aspect of this concept is also the so-called core working hours, which ensure that employees are together at certain times of the day.
The benefits
The benefits of flexible working are numerous and contribute significantly to employee satisfaction. Improved work-life balance allows employees to better balance their professional and personal lives. This not only reduces stress and the risk of burnout, but also promotes general well-being.
According to the REFA norm curve, people go through several performance phases every day. What they often have in common are the peaks of performance, which occur in the morning around 10 am and in the afternoon from 4 pm. However, there are also phases of motivation or demotivation, which can occur at different times depending on the individual, for example due to external circumstances or personal preferences.
Taking advantage of individual peak periods and adapting to personal performance peaks increases the efficiency of work, which is of great benefit not only to employees but also to the company itself.
In addition, flexible working increases the attractiveness of a company as an employer, as companies that offer this flexibility are particularly attractive to skilled workers. This not only helps to retain employees, but also makes it easier to attract new talents. Studies show that 8 out of 10 employees prefer a flexible working time model to fixed working hours.
Another important aspect is the encouragement of diversity in the workplace. Flexibility allows employees to better balance work and family life, contributing to a more diverse workforce. Companies that adopt flexible working models not only create an inclusive working environment, but also position themselves as leaders in promoting diversity and equal opportunities.
The challenges
Targeted strategies are required to ensure the smooth implementation of flexible working. Communication challenges associated with different working hours can be overcome by using appropriate tools such as Google Drive, Asana and Slack. These technologies enable effective communication and collaboration regardless of employees’ time differences.
Another challenge is coordinating teams, which can make it difficult to organise meetings or team activities. Clear communication protocols and objectives are crucial for efficient collaboration. Shifting from a control-based to a results-based management approach is essential for effective leadership. A relationship of trust and clear objectives are key elements.
Technological challenges require ensuring the availability and security of tools, especially when working remotely. The use of various management tools, such as Asana, plays a central role in this context. To meet these demands, investment in digital infrastructure is fundamental. Companies must consider aspects such as task management and real-time communication to strengthen the technological foundation for flexible working models. Overall, addressing these challenges through targeted measures and appropriate technologies is necessary to fully benefit from flexible working.
SailyGroup as example
SailyGroup AG is an example of how the implementation of flexible working time models can lead to a positive change in work culture and flexibility. Our company places particular emphasis on designing working hours and locations according to the individual needs of our employees. This focus on flexibility goes hand in hand with a clear goal: to increase employee satisfaction and productivity.
The effective use of communication tools plays a decisive role in this. For example, SailyGroup AG successfully uses Google Drive to share documents and promote collaboration. The project management tool Asana is another platform used on a daily basis and across departments to manage tasks and projects and enable a structured workflow. In addition, Slack is adopted as a real-time communication and team collaboration platform to ensure smooth interaction between employees. A number of other tools are also used to simplify collaboration and communication.
The successful implementation of flexible working models by SailyGroup AG demonstrates that the introduction of flexible working not only increases individual satisfaction, but also improves overall performance and collaboration within the company. The targeted use of communication tools not only increases efficiency, but also creates a modern and flexible working environment that meets the demands of today’s workplace.
Summary
To sum up, flexible working arrangements enable companies to adapt efficiently to the challenges of the modern economy. SailyGroup AG is one example of the positive impact of such models on work culture and flexibility. The benefits, including improved work-life balance and increased efficiency, are in line with an inclusive corporate culture. Despite challenges such as communication barriers and technological requirements, successful examples show that targeted policies and investment in digital infrastructure can pave the way for a modern and flexible working environment.
Sources:
https://www.bildungsspiegel.de/news/berufswelt-arbeitsmarkt-europa/1054-eine-frage-der-arbeitszeit/
Adapted from the REFA norm curve according to Welkert-Schmitt, Schmitt, n.d., chapter 3-4.