Do you currently have a flexible work policy in place but find that few people are utilizing it? If so, do you know the reasons for a lack of participation? While you might initially think that none of your employees are interested, it may be that they don’t know about the programs.
Flex + Strategy Group / Work + Life Fit company conducted a survey about work flexibility and found that while 97 percent of workers surveyed had some sort of flexible work, only about 40 percent of them received any formal guidance about it. So, how do you discuss work flexibility with employees? The tips below can help you shed light on your programs and encourage participation.
How to Discuss Work Flexibility with Employees
Formal Communications
Sure, you have a formal flexible work policy, but if you haven’t announced it or talked about it, most employees probably know very little about it. All companies have some sort of formal communication system that can be used to let employees know about the programs. And whether it is through company newsletters, mass emails, or the dreaded memo, make sure to put the word out there that you offer flexible work. Don’t forget to add information on where to learn about it and who to contact to begin using the programs offered.
At the Manager Level
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Managers will have closer communication with their teams than the HR department or executive team. During team meetings or updates, ask managers to inform employees about the flexible work program. Team managers also have a better pulse on their teams, and will know which programs their team will most likely be interested in and utilize. Additionally, employees will probably feel more comfortable inquiring with their manager about what is available and where to learn more, rather than talking to someone higher up.
Casual Conversations
We’ve all experienced the water cooler, break-time, passing in the parking lot conversations with our co-workers. These casual conversations that take place in passing are a great time to drop a few lines about how the company offers work flexibility. Since these more casual approaches don’t seem so scary, there may be more interest in what is being said.
At Hiring
It would seem obvious that discussing formal policies should take place during orientation. This is the perfect time to educate your employees about the programs offered and how to get access to them.
Through Observation
Maybe you have noticed a certain group working really long hours on an important project or someone who simply looks burned out. By observing the behavior of your employees you can learn a lot. When you begin to notice fatigue or illness or even a different disposition, you can let the person know that flexible work options are available to help balance whatever it is they need to balance. Something as simple as asking for time off can open the doors to communication about flexible work programs.
Although most workers enjoy some flexibility in their work, communicating the flexibility is important if you want to see the full results and benefits that flexible work offers. Begin by communicating about the programs during orientation and encourage others in the office to take advantage of the different options available. Like most good things, once the word is out there, it will spread like wildfire. And in this case, that’s a good thing!
Readers, how do you discuss work flexibility with employees? Do you start early with a formal approach, or are you more casual? Share your approach with us below!
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