Flexible working systems now key to attracting talented workforce

Implementing hybrid working models permanently will help businesses attract the most talented employees, a leading employment solicitor has claimed.

Joanne Stronach, Head of Employment Law and HR at Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors, is recommending businesses retain flexible working patterns where possible in order to keep and recruit the best staff out there, following the success and popularity of working from home during the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns.

As the Government’s consultation on working patterns closes on December 1, a recent survey carried out by business finance lender Sonovate showed that more than half of 18 to 34 year olds in the UK now considered flexible working a key component when choosing a job, with a third making a recent career change to their employment because their existing role didn’t offer hybrid working options.

With more people enjoying the flexibility the working model allows, Joanne said businesses could miss out on their next star employees if they didn’t allow a mixture of working in the office and from home.

She said: “The hybrid working model is the best of both worlds as you can have regular face-to-face meetings with customers and clients when you want them, but there’s days where you can solely focus on getting lots done while working at home.

“With the technology we have access to and the experiences we have had since the first lockdown, working from home is now a very realistic alternative to being office based 9-5.

“It could make all the difference to your potential applicants who are likely to be more attracted to the role if it offers flexible working.

“If they work some time from the office and some time from home, then that appeals to a lot of workers as it gives them more flexibility and potentially a better work-life balance.”

Flexible working also has significant benefits for the employer, not just the employee, said Joanne.

She said: “Hybrid office working fits most businesses. I think it’s going to be the future way of working as the pandemic showed a lot of employers about what could be done by people working from home.

“It reduces the cost for employers as it reduces the amount of workspace needed and travel expenses, while a lot of workers have reported they are much more productive working from home as they don’t have the disruptions they would in the office.

“Even for collaboration sessions, in the past you would brainstorm during face to face meetings but there is a lot of video call software out there that makes that easier no matter where people are based.”

However, employers need to ensure they are committing to the same level of care to their employees even when they are not office based, Joanne added.

A high level of communication is needed to make sure those that wish to work remotely are not feeling isolated and are taking care of themselves, said Joanne.

She said: “It won’t suit everybody and there are some disadvantages to working from home which employers have to consider. When hybrid working, people have to develop a new set of habits where they have to work hard but still need to get regular exercise and mental health support.

“Monitoring performance and regular communication is going to be very important and employers will also need to check if staff are getting the work done and not just watching TV or walking the dog. But the pandemic has shown where there can be less distractions than in a work environment.”

Joanne Stronach can be contacted by calling 01228 51666.