Flexitime could be the key to staff retention

Flexitime could be the key to staff retention

Next week we are introducing our own flexitime within Douglas Scott.

Our employees will be encouraged to take time off from the office and have an option to work from home every Monday, also be able to work from home 2 Fridays per month. Last Friday of the month is what we call ‘Happy Hour’ meaning if we meet our targets then we get to go out for a few drinks as a team.

Its not just us that started to introduce flexitime for employees!

Linklaters have announced revamping of their flexible working policy allowing employees to work remotely for up to 20-50% of their time. The company said the agile policy captured lessons learned so far from remote working during the Covid-19 pandemic, reflecting that high-quality work can be delivered while working remotely. More information can be found on https://www.personneltoday.com/hr/major-law-firm-offers-allows-employees-to-decide-when-and-where-they-work/

Clifford Chance and Baker McKenzie are also another two examples out of the many other law firms that have started to encourage their employees to work from home when possible, in order to reduce the stress of their employees. The list of some of the other law firms that are supporting flexitime can be found on https://www.thelawyer.com/flexible-working-for-lawyers-whos-doing-what/

So why is flexible working good for retention?

Reduces Stress

• Working flexibly has been linked with reducing stress and burnout in employees, allowing employees to take a break when they feel they need to, or perhaps avoid commuting.

Promoting a healthy work/Life Balance

• Employees can fit in family commitments and perhaps have more time in evenings.

Increasing employee engagements

• Ability to work flexibly can increase satisfaction and make an employee feel more valued as well as increase the feeling of trust for the organisation by giving them more control over their own working schedule.

Promoting Diversity and Inclusion

• Flexible working allows employers to recognise employees as individuals, allowing them to support their particular needs and circumstances e.g. people in different religions due to fasting days and ceremonies.