Deloitte UK published a report this month which shows poor mental wellbeing has increased costs for employers by 16%, since 2016. There is a proven link between employers who invest time in staff wellbeing and generally saving money in the long run by increased employee loyalty and productivity, and lower rates of absence.
Mental wellbeing is being talked about increasingly and, whilst agile or flexible working is not a health incentive, why should it not be at the forefront of employers’ minds? Mental wellbeing is linked to tardiness, absenteeism, decreased productivity, decreased motivation and sometimes underperformance. With that in mind, anything employers can do to make staff feel enthused, valued and supported with an increased sense of job satisfaction should be considered.
What is Agile Working?
Agile working is offering employees the ability to have flexible working arrangements, through the use of mobile technology. Examples of agile working include allowing employees to work from home, remotely, part-time or on adjusted hours to, for example, miss traffic.
By implementing agile working, employees are given an increased level of control and independence over their working arrangements. As a result, employees are likely to feel more satisfied, work more efficiently and with a greater level of output.
Other Commercial Benefits
There are a number of other commercial benefits for employers to implement an agile working policy:-
1. Commercial Rent
With the use of the technology available on the market, there is less need for an employee to be fixed to a desk in an office. Modern services now allow for an employee to look like they are operating from a central base, even if they are working remotely. The costs of overheads substantially decrease by allowing employees to work off site, because there is not a need to pay for desk space, empty chairs and electricity bills.
2. Facilitating Change
Naturally, employee numbers will fluctuate and, with that, comes an issue of providing and facilitating space for growth. By allowing remote working, companies have more time to consider the best way to facilitate any changes related to space.
3. Recruitment & Retention of Staff
Companies that offer the perk of allowing an employee to work in a way that suits them are more likely to recruit and retain staff. By promoting agile working, your company will promote a family-friendly image. This again substantially reduces the costs of agency and recruitment fees and decreases the time spent training new staff.
The next step is understanding how to implement agile working within the work place to maximum the benefits referred to above while ensuring that business needs are met.
At Herrington Carmichael, we understand the value of agile working and are able to advise on how to implement this in the workplace. An agile working policy is driven by business need and therefore consideration needs to be given as to how this can work for your business. Our specialised Employment solicitors will work closely with your business to draft and tailor an agile/flexible working policy that suits you.
If you would like to discuss agile working policies further, please do not hesitate to contact one of our solicitors on 01276 686222.
This reflects the law at the date of publication and is written as a general guide. It does not contain definitive legal advice, which should be sought as appropriate in relation to a particular matter.
