The days of working 9-5 Monday to Friday in the office are long gone and now most organizations are offering flexibility when it comes to hours and remote work. There are many benefits to this, but there are also challenges. One of the main issues that have emerged from the rise of remote work has been isolation and loneliness with many employees feeling disconnected and alone when working from home. This article will look at some of the best ways for a business to support employees when it comes to flexible working.
A Flex on Travel Hours
First, you should have empathy when it comes to travel. Traveling to and from work or for a trip can be tiring and stressful, especially if it is a long journey or they are traveling during a busy period. While hybrid work has its benefits, as many as 72% feel exhausted from the lifestyle. It is a good idea to offer a flex time system where people can work extra hours on a certain day to save these up for another day. This will give people better control and the ability to find a system that works for them.
Seasonal Ticket Loans
With the cost-of-living crisis, many are also finding it difficult to afford the commute to work and this could be causing a great deal of stress and resentment. You could offer a season ticket loan, which will work out as being cheaper and ensure that your staff does not have to pay the cost of this upfront. You should also consider that some people are anxious about getting public transport since the pandemic and may be shielding. If you have staff in this situation then you will want to discuss with them what the best solution is and consider alternative forms of transport, such as a carpool or cycling to work.
Providing Accommodation
You also need to consider travel for meetings, business trips, parties, and social events. In these events where people often have to travel long distances and might be out till late, it is always worth springing for comfortable accommodation. Serviced apartments in London will be perfect for trips to the capital because you are providing a private, comfortable, and relaxing space for staff to unwind after a long day.
It has been a challenging few years for both employers and employees trying to get used to first remote work and now hybrid work models. There are benefits to this flexible way of working, but there are also challenges and travel is a key consideration. Many people’s attitudes towards travel have changed, so it is important to be considerate of your employees and find ways to support them when traveling. The advice in this post should be useful and help you to support your team.