What if you didn’t have to work 9 to 5

Good morning Dinks.  Two months ago my company announced they are being sold to a competitor and although it’s supposed to be “business as usual” my current employer can’t help but talk about how beneficial it will be once the takeover begins. What is a flexible work schedule? Our new employer is offering a variety of flexible work arrangements including a 10/4 schedule where employees can do their 40 hours in 4 days with 10 hour work days.  They are also allowing employees to work from home up to three days a week as well as offering a variety of 8 hour shifts with start times varying from 7 am to 12 pm; that’s a great option for people who prefer to work later than the normal 9 to 5. The stress free environment of working from home and working the hours you want to helps relieve the burden of your managers watchful eye always looking over your shoulder.  It will make employees more productive because they will be more relaxed working on their own terms. Right? Do you have a flexible work schedule? Over 40% of the workforce at my new potential new employer (I say potential because our jobs aren’t guaranteed as of January) work unconventional hours outside of 9 to 5 or work from remote locations. This will be a fantastic perk.  I work as a community manager and therefore I can work from absolutely anywhere; however my current employer prefers all employees to be in the office.  My manager is very understanding about giving us time off for doctor’s appointments and family matters but it’s frowned upon to work from home without a valid reason.  However come January this may change. A flexible work schedule will also require employees to use less vacation days which means in the long run we get more days off.  We no longer need to take a day off every time we want to leave the office early on a Friday because when you can work remotely you can work from anywhere.  How great is that?! Flexible work arrangements are a win-win for everyone If you’re an employer I think a flexible work schedule is a valuable way to attract and retain employees.  As an employee a flexible work arrangement is the absolute best work life balance there could be.  It saves employees time commuting and gives them more time to spend with their families.  As an employer it makes employees happy and happy employees work harder. Sometimes travelling to and from the office during the day can be a colossal waste of time.  If we work from home or have the option to work flexible hours it can definitely help balance personal appointments and family obligations.  In some offices special arrangements are only permitted for matters related to children, but what if you don’t have kids?  In my new job (if I have one) flexible hours will be the norm for everyone, not just for those families with children. Photo from Flickr

Kristina Tahnyak

Tahnya is a Certified Financial Planner and former Investment Advisor turned marketing and communications professional She holds a degree from Concordia University, is debt free and currently works in the field of digital marketing.