The importance of workplace flexibility

What does workplace flexibility mean and why is it important? Flexibility on the job includes the willingness and ability to readily respond to changing circumstances and expectations. Being flexible when it comes to work is worth a lot. Employees who approach their job with a flexible mindset are typically more highly valued by employers.

Why Employers value flexible Employees
Essentially, flexible employees are more valuable. Workers with an orientation towards flexibility never say, “It’s not my job” or “Do I have to?” when they are asked to take on a new assignment. Flexible employees modify their approach to tasks based on the preferences of stakeholders and the unique demands
of each situation. Having employees willing to step outside their job description means employers can get more accomplished.
Flexible workers who are able to take on more responsibilities, do different tasks, and do more at work have more to offer their employer than employees who can only do one or two tasks. Having flexible employees means not having to find others to take on more work because flexible employees are willing to do whatever is necessary to get the task accomplished or the job done.

Why Employees value flexible Managers
Flexibility works both ways, and employees appreciate having managers who are flexible. Flexibility skills are also relevant to the approach management takes to handling employees. Flexible managers treat employees as individuals and make an effort to accommodate personal styles and needs. 

Managers who are flexible provide workers with greater latitude about the way they accomplish goals. They assess the needs of employees and provide feedback, guidance, and recognition individually to optimize performance. Being flexible is good for everyone.

Share Examples during Job Interviews
Flexibility is a trait most employers look for in an employee so regardless of what type of job you are applying for, it will benefit your candidacy if you can show the interviewer examples of how you are flexible and willing to change course. Take some time to write down different times you believe you were flexible at previous jobs (and be proud of yourself
if it’s a long list).

Examples of Workplace Flexibility Skills
Not sure exactly what makes a person flexible at work? Review these examples of flexibility, and tailor your interview responses to show examples of how you’ve been flexible at work.

 

Examples

Admitting an oversight in accounting for expenses and suggesting alternative ways to avoid similar mistakes

Allowing employees to work from home when feasible to help balance work with family responsibilities

Analyzing the style and preferences of individual subordinates 

Assessing the needs and preferences of individual customers

Customizing cover letters to emphasize skills which correspond to the unique requirements of target jobs

Delegating routine tasks in order to focus on priorities

Enabling non-essential employees to work from home on snow days 

Enabling workers to vary arrival and departure times as long as they work the prescribed number of hours Initiating an evaluation of alternative processes for processing loan applications

Learning complex, new software that will increase efficiency

Listening carefully to constructive criticism as part of a performance review

Offering to cover the responsibilities of a colleague while she is on vacation

• Offering to work extra hours during a year-end crunch

Praising the work of a productive employee more frequently because she craves feedback

Providing release time for parents to attend school programs

Pushing aside the work planned for the day to respond to an emerging problem

Rewarding subordinates who make impactful suggestions

Shifting attention to a customer entering the facility even though immersed in a detailed task

Substituting social media for some traditional communications as a way to engage prospective students 

Surveying clients about their experience with the company and modifying service delivery based on the findings

Tailoring a sales pitch to the unique needs of a customer

Volunteering to change your schedule to accommodate another employee’s needs

Volunteering to take the lead for a key presentation when a colleague comes down with an illness

Working overtime to help a colleague meet a deadline for a funding proposal

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