how well do you understand your employees’ work preferences?

Flexible work schedules can play a huge role in helping you retain your current employees and attract new talent. Offering options like remote work, part-time hours or compressed workweeks shows you understand what your team really needs to stay energized and productive. It’s a win-win for both retention and recruitment.

Let’s take a closer look at why this flexibility can set your business apart.

what are flexible work schedules?

Flexible work schedules come in different flavours, offering your employees a range of options to balance work and life. Here are a few examples:

• Remote work: Employees work from home or any location outside the office, reducing commute time and increasing focus.
• Compressed workweeks: Employees work the same number of hours but over fewer days, like four 10-hour days instead of five 8-hour ones.
• Part-time roles: Employees work fewer hours than a full-time schedule, offering flexibility for those who can't commit to full-time hours.
• Job sharing: Two employees share the responsibilities of one full-time role, giving both more freedom and flexibility.
• Contract or freelance positions: These workers are hired for specific projects or timeframes. This offers flexibility for both the company and the worker.

why flexibility is key to hiring success

Offering flexible work schedules isn’t just a perk — it can also be a competitive advantage. Randstad’s Workmonitor 2024 survey found that 41 percent of global workers wouldn’t even consider a job unless it offered flexible working hours. At the same time, a similar percentage reported that their employers have recently become stricter about workplace attendance.

In other words, many companies are tightening their in-office policies, but this could be your opportunity. When your competitors are stuck in a traditional 9-to-5 mindset, you can get a jump on them by being the kind of employer that respects employees’ need for flexibility. Workers today are craving more control over their work-life balance. Employers who embrace this will have the upper hand in attracting and keeping the best talent.

how flexible work options benefit your business

Randstad can help you explore why flexible work schedules are essential for a successful hiring strategy. Here are a few key points to consider:

• Full-time roles aren't always the best solution: Sometimes, a full-time employee may not fit your budget or workload needs. Offering part-time or job-sharing positions can provide more agility for your team.
• Alternative employment options are budget-friendly: Solutions like part-time roles or contract work can help you manage payroll more effectively.
• Remote employees and compressed work schedules promote productivity: When people have more control over when and where they work, they tend to be more engaged, creative and happy in their roles.

In a recent case study, a company in the automotive industry struggled to attract new talent and retain current staff. By shifting their focus from full-time roles to part-time and flexible arrangements, they were able to double the number of applicants. Employees were looking for options that provided freedom, autonomy and a better work-life balance, and offering flexible work schedules gave the company a competitive edge in the hiring market.

Additionally, their retention rates improved as many workers preferred flexible work schedules and part-time opportunities. These options offered employees more control over their time, which contributed to a more productive and motivated workforce.