Home or office: Does flexible working work for SMEs?
The way we work has undergone a significant transformation, with technology playing a pivotal role. In July 2023, The Guardian reported that the UK is the “work-from-home capital of Europe” with 28% of us working to a hybrid model, with 16% fully remote.
Home and hybrid working in initially accelerated thanks to necessity - the COVID-19 pandemic required many office workers to work remotely – however, more than a third of UK workers say they would rather quit their job than return to the office full time.
There are many advantages to being in the office, from team collaboration to training younger members of staff – indeed many junior members of staff can feel a disconnect when working remotely.
So, while it’s important for business to consider the negatives, there’s many positives to home and hybrid working from a SME perspective. Let’s delve into the benefits, challenges, and best practices associated with allowing employees to work from home or the office.
Flexible working benefits for SMEs:
1. Increased Productivity: Flexible working often leads to enhanced productivity, as employees can choose their most productive hours.
2. Cost Savings: SMEs can reduce overhead costs by downsizing office space or implementing shared workspaces.
3. Talent Attraction and Retention: Offering flexible working options can make SMEs more attractive to top talent.
4. Work-Life Balance: Employees can better balance their professional and personal lives, a lesson learned during the pandemic.
Challenges SMEs may encounter:
1. Communication Hurdles: Maintaining effective communication can be challenging when employees are scattered.
2. Security Concerns: Data security becomes a more significant concern when employees work remotely.
3. Monitoring and Accountability: Ensuring that employees are productive while working remotely can be a challenge.
4. Cultural Shift: SMEs may need to adapt their company culture to support remote work, a change that gained momentum during the pandemic.
How to Implement flexible working successfully:
1. Clear Policies: SMEs should establish clear policies and guidelines for flexible working.
2. Technology Investment: Invest in reliable communication and collaboration tools, which became essential during the pandemic.
3. Regular Check-Ins: Maintain regular check-ins to keep employees connected and accountable, especially in remote work scenarios.
4. Flexibility within Limits: Provide flexibility but set boundaries to maintain work discipline, a lesson reinforced by the pandemic experience.
The future of flexible working for UK SMEs
Flexible working can indeed work for SMEs, however, it requires careful planning and execution. Embracing home and hybrid working can bring about increased productivity, cost savings, and a competitive edge in attracting and retaining top talent.
