How to encourage flexible working

Flexible working is a bit of a corporate bullshit bingo phrase. Most companies claim they do it even though some are much more strict and unforgiving in reality than they claim to be. What remote working means to me is, again, approaching people from the point of view that they are capable adults. When and how they do the work matters less than what results they deliver. Only they know what schedule suits their bodies and energy levels best and how to manage their work time for it to be productive and pleasurable. I’ve met plenty of business people who wake up at dawn and do their best work in the morning and equally a similar number of those who prefer to work late into the night. How much you let your people be in control of their time and energy resources sends an important message about your values and your culture in consequence. If you give people the full freedom of choice when and how they work, you are likely to increase staff retention and boost job satisfaction levels particularly of those team members with young kids and a busy family life to manage. A mother of two who works for GrantTree once confided in me how happy she is with her job (compared to previous employment) because she is completely free to work when and how she pleases and fit work around family life. So could be people in your company.

For more ideas how to help your remote team with mental health and wellness go here.