One of Metro ATL’s biggest business strengths is its thriving telework culture. But don’t just take our word for it: In 2023, Atlanta was ranked No. 1 by CoworkingCafe as the best city for remote work, earning high marks for its access to co-working spaces and public Wi-Fi. These perks offer local businesses the perfect environment to set up flexible work schedules within their workforce. A flexible work schedule is an alternative to the conventional workweek. Through this arrangement, employees can start and end a workday whenever they want from the workplace or at home, as long as they are productive during the hours specified by the employer.
The Big Picture
Flexwork is one of the most sought-after solutions for employees and employers. By allowing employees more autonomy regarding their work schedules and locations, employers help them maintain a healthier work-life balance, lowering stress levels and supporting overall job satisfaction. This helps increase productivity and reduce employee turnover at companies, since workers are more likely to stay loyal to an organization that supports their personal needs. Research by Forbes also indicates that businesses can save an average of $11,000 per employee when switching to remote work due to reductions in office space, utilities, and other overhead expenses.
Flexwork can look many ways. Here are five different types of flexwork arrangements you could set up at your business:
1. Compressed workweeks
A compressed work week involves redistributing hours throughout the week to reduce employees’ number of working days, as long as they are productive during the time needed to complete their job. For example, this option may involve four 10-hour workdays a week, giving employees an extra day off each week.
2. Shift work
Shift work typically refers to work schedules outside the normal work hours of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Depending on the industry and the specific organization, a work shift may be in the morning (first shift), evening (second shift), night (third/graveyard shift), or they may follow a rotating schedule.
3. Telework/Remote work
Telework work and remote work are types of flexible work arrangement in which duties are performed entirely away from the office temporarily or permanently. Both provide employees with greater work-life balance and, in the case of remote work, the flexibility to work from anywhere in the world.
4. Part-time positions
Part-time jobs are the most traditional flexible scheduling options, typically used when a job requires fewer than 40 hours of work per week. Part-time employees are often people who need/want to work but do not wish to work a full-time schedule, such as students or retirees.
5. Job sharing
Job sharing involves dividing a full-time job between two or more part-time employees. Each employee works for one part of the workweek, while the others work for the rest of the week. Job-sharing is also beneficial for employers as it guarantees coverage even if a team member is absent.
GCO’s flexwork consultant team has decades of experience in helping companies customize their work programs to best suit their business needs. Learn more about how GCO can help you set up a flexwork program at your company for free by visiting our Telework & Flexwork Consulting page.