Flexible working can save money and increase productivity

Surprisingly many companies are hesitant when it comes to thinking differently about how they employ their staff. Words such as "flexi time", "home working" and "job share" can send shivers down their spines and visions of their hard-earned profits waltzing out of the door.

However if used wisely these flexible employment methods can actually increase efficiency and save money rather than costing more.

How will a flexible worker save me money?

A flexible worker often represents far more value for money than an average employee. They tend to be highly experienced and knowledgeable people who, for whatever reason, although usually due to caring for their family, can not work in a "normal" 9 - 5 role. They are often willing to compromise on salary as long as the job fits in with their needs. Stay at home mothers returning to work may have had over 10 years professional experience before they stopped work to bring up young children, that can be put to good use and mean that they can be up to speed for more quickly than a graduate.

Employing flexible workers can really benefit start-up companies who can initially operate a "virtual" office, where staff can work from home but have access to colleagues, information and facilities almost as though they are working in the same offices. This can create the impression of a large scale, established operation whilst keeping costs to a minimum.

These flexible workers also tend to be more loyal, increasing staff retention and thus decreasing re-training costs, as they really appreicate finding a fulfilling role which also enables them to make time for their family. The reduced stress of a flexible role also means reduced sickness absence, and that personal commitments can be fulfilled in one's own, flexible time.

BT Business managing director Bill Murphy said, "Recent studies have demonstrated the business benefits of flexible working, from improved staff retention and productivity to cost savings and new business wins. BT has itself witnessed a 20% increase in productivity where it has put smarter working practices in place."

Once in the office flexible employees are nomally much more efficient as they condense their working hours. If they work for just a few hours a day there will not be a requirement for a company to pay them for a lunch hour and wasted time spent chatting over coffee is dramatically reduced.

If their business allows, companies can just employ staff during term times, giving un-paid leave during school holidays, which gives the employee valuable time off but also reduces salary costs. Similarly, employing freelance or contract workers can relieve companies of the burden of high salary expenditure and allow them to increase staff as they need without committing resources in these uncertain times. Extended business hours can be covered with flexible work schedules and companies can adapt to increased business quickly and make available additional pesonnel at times of high customer demand.

Direct costs such as office space and any travelling expenses can be cut by employing home-workers, job sharers or people at different times who can hot desk. If your company is environmentally minded this can also help reduce traffic pollution and the environmental cost of heating/lighting and office space.

Flexible working offers a greater ability to attract high calibre, new staff in an increasingly competitive labour market. Organisations which show that they value their employees as whole people, gain a good reputation as employers, especially now that flexible working is considered to be the number one benefit a company can offer for prospective employees.