Is it the end of the road for 9 to 5?

Is it the end of the road for 9 to 5? And did anyone ever really work 9 to 5 anyway (except in Dolly Parton songs)?

From June 30 2014 every UK employee has had the right to request flexible working. 95% of medium businesses offer flexible working of some kind already.

The only really surprising question is why it’s taken so long to gather momentum and why more people aren’t working in this way. Once seen to be the domain of working mothers and carers, it is being recognised that even a leadership role can be done while working flexibly.

It’s still not embraced by all, with some managers being worried about staff lounging about on the sofa and watching daytime TV instead of working. However, 70% of managers in research by Regus reported an increase in productivity after switching to flexible working.

For many businesses the one and only factor is always going to be money (shame, they’re missing out on massive employee loyalty and engagement). So good news for them too. In the same Regus poll managers reported a 63% rise in revenue which they attributed directly to flexible working.

If you need convincing or if you need to convince your manager here are the top 5 reasons to fall in love with flexible working:

Attracting the best of the best

In a Telework Research Network study it was found that a whopping 83% of employees gave flex working options as a reason for accepting a position in the last 2 years. So if you’re not offering it, you’re likely to lose out to those who are.

Employee retention

And once you’ve attracted the best, keep hold of them! There are a whole slew of costs associated with replacing a role, from money and time to agency fees. Not to mention the disruption it can potentially cause in a team.

Time and cost saving

From an employee perspective this is a massive consideration. (Fact for you – accountants have the longest average daily commute at 74 minutes.) It’s no surprise that studies show personal happiness decreases with every mile of your commute. Let’s face it, it’s stressful and you’re at the mercy of all manner of factors which on some mornings seem to be all against you.

Just a day or 2 of flexible working a week can add up to a big savings and a reduction in stress – no brainer.

More creativity

Working somewhere devoid of stimulation on someone else’s timetable isn’t really the textbook way to encourage creativity so it’s hardly a shock that employees feel more creative when remote working.

And ALL businesses, not just the arty ones can use some creative thinking and problem solving.

Less sick days

A CIPD survey (2012) reported that over half of managers saw sickness absence drop after introducing flexible working. Not only that but it helps cut presenteeism which estimated to cost three times as much absenteeism. Not to mention the spread of infectious diseases and the moral boost of sitting next to Brian who’s blowing his nose like a trumpet and leaving a trail of tissues behind him.

The nine to five day had its place. It was originally brought in to protect workers from 12 or 14 hour days. But things change, technology advances and, well, let’s face it, it’s become an outdated way of working.

Embrace the new way, whether as an employee or an employer.

The reward of an engaged, loyal, productive workforce should be enough but don’t forget the increase in revenue too.

We’re talking about a revolution here people.

Jo Gifford mentors solopreneurs to tell their business story online and to work in smarter, creative ways on www.dexterousdiva.co.uk.