Any plan organisations have of boosting productivity and talent retention must be hinged on a robust synergy of work-life balance to be successful, industry professionals say.
According to International Work Group survey, today’s dynamic and diverse workforce is in clear demand for flexible working on a yearly basis; workers demand is up to 75 percent from 70 percent in 2017.
Analysts observe that forward-thinking organisations are allowing staff to work where they want, in remote locations as well as in co-working spaces, and are even relying on more flexible workforce arrangements.
They say employers and employees can benefit from flexible working environment in their quest to reduce expenses and increase productivity, and on the other hand achieve a better work-life balance.
Ayo Akinmade, country manager, Regus Nigeria, says people are recognising that they are far more productive and successful in a dynamic working environment, while businesses are waking up to the financial and strategic benefits.
Akinmade says demand for flexible office space is growing
rapidly with 53 percent of professionals globally now working remotely for at least half their working week.
According to Akinmade, “In this multi-faceted environment, the regular 9-5 is gradually becoming a thing of the past and many types of workers are using various combinations of workplace solutions that include home working, business lounges and remote offices, as well as traditional office locations, rather than espousing a single solution.”
He further opines that one sure advantage to work life balance is that commuting stress is largely reduced by flexible working. “Flexible workspace gives access to technology, data security and a professional environment that make a workspace productive. Workers that struggle with a noisy environment or are unable to access a secure and strong internet connection cannot be productive even if they are able to reduce their commute time.
“Not every workspace is created equal or indeed suited to every worker, but if businesses wish to reap the bumper benefits that flexible working is already bringing some of their competitors, they will need to carefully address worker needs and how they respond to them,” he states.
