How to create a flexible and inclusive work culture that promotes well-being

There are many downsides of boundaryless working. Organizations can combat this by developing their own flexibility programs and policies. The key to finding the right balance between workplaces without boundaries and flexible work options for workers is to go directly to the source—the employees—and learn what they most value. 

Creating a flexible workplace

Less than one in five employees say that their employer supports their physical and mental health, and many are left feeling burned out from workplaces that don’t support, sustain or restore their well-being. Here are some tips on how to create a flexible workplace that considers the unique needs of all employees: 

• Listen and take action: Putting what you’ve learned from your team into action demonstrates that you value their input and satisfaction with their workplace. Identify areas of opportunities to improve the employee experience, make a plan and communicate this plan to employees so they’re aware of the progress the company is making and can hold you accountable. 
• Commit to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB): Organizations that prioritize, educate themselves and implement diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) policies are a key differentiator in what creates the employee experience. 
• Implement consistent, predictable and stable work schedules: A recent study found that stable scheduling increases productivity and sales. Employees whose schedules fluctuate often experience a lack of flexibility and impacts on their work-life balance as they are not able to plan for doctor’s appointments, organize childcare arrangements or make time for other life necessities. Providing flexibility and stability in scheduling gives employees the time, space and ability to navigate the unexpected.
• Embrace the hybrid model: While there are many kinds of workplaces where hybrid work is not possible, for those that can, embrace the hybrid workplace and ensure your benefits are ready for a hybrid environment. According to the 2022 Employee Experience Trends Report by Qualtrics, employees are going to demand better physical and digital workspaces in the coming year, and employees that are happy with their company technology are more engaged at work. There is a gap between what organizations think they deliver and what employees actually want when it comes to hybrid work enablement.

WorkLife Partnership Resource Navigators are experts at solving the kinds of personal challenges that show up at work. WorkLife can be a resource to employees needing the space to solve problems and create more stability and flexibility at work. If your workforce could benefit from that level of personal support, contact us.