Word-Of-the-Week #897: Flexible

October 14, 2021 by · Comments Off on Word-Of-the-Week #897: Flexible 

Flexible – able to change to cope with variable circumstances.

How would you rate your employer on providing flexible schedules? Do they support mental health and wellness?

The next two WOW’s feature “10 Workplace Trends To Watch For In 2021,” by Carrie Schochet at Forbes, and are a great follow up to last WOW’s.

The changes brought about by the pandemic will likely have long-lasting impacts on the job market. While technology and processes shifted, I’ve observed that the differences in mindset have been the most profound changes. Going into 2021, here are some trends that I believe you can expect to see:

  1. Safer Work Environments

Workplace safety isn’t just a topic for manufacturing and warehouse environments. Employers need to have policies and procedures in place to make sure their office workers feel safe, too. Cleaning procedures, temperature checks, health surveys and sick time policies all need to be documented and communicated to the people in your company.       

  1. Schedule Flexibility

Flexible work schedules are on the rise, with the need for many employers to accommodate families who have school-aged children learning from home. Prior to the pandemic, flexibility was seen as a perk. Now, it is much more than that. To attract and retain talent, it has become a necessity. Offering this flexibility can benefit companies as well. Providing flexible schedules can result in increased morale and productivity while also reducing stress. Empower your HR leaders to be creative in their approach to flexible scheduling as it can have an impact on strengthening your company brand.

  1. Virtual Company Culture

Companies need to find a way to maintain their corporate culture in a virtual setting. Make it a priority to dedicate time to developing a plan that ensures you focus on employee engagement. Oftentimes, you can stick to your normal employee engagement practices, but in a virtual setting. Host online meetings, networking or team-building exercises while also welcoming feedback. To attract and retain talented individuals, companies will need to communicate how they have taken care of their employees during this difficult time.

  1. Mental Health And Wellness Benefits

There is an added focus on health care benefits and wellness initiatives. Employees will continue to directly compare their current benefits to the benefits offered at prospective employers, particularly when it comes to mental health and wellness. These factors will weigh heavily in their decision-making process. So, what steps are you taking for employees outside of the typical benefit coverage? Do you offer flexible schedules, additional time off, or employee check-ins? These can serve as major differentiators in retaining your talented workforce.

  1. Increased Online Presence

Digital presence is more important now than ever before. Companies should allocate their spending toward innovative technology and digital events versus in-person events.

This week is all about your being flexible. How have you coped with all the changes that have occurred during the pandemic? How well has your employer coped with all the changes? Do you feel that they have taken care of you?

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Word Of the Week #27: Flexible

April 21, 2009 by · Comments Off on Word Of the Week #27: Flexible 

Flexible: not rigid or obstinate; adaptable to new situations.

How can your flexibility at work or home benefit yourself and those around you?

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In business you can’t predict every possible thing that can happen. When your job revolves around people, the most important thing to remember is that things change. And as Forrest Gump said, “Stuff Happens.”

The people you work with may vary from shift to shift. Your regular customer, guest or member who has been coming in for years and always orders the same dish or drink, may suddenly want a different item. Being flexible and not rigid allows you to deal with the unexpected much more easily.

This week focus on being adaptable and flexible. If and when an unexpected event happens, be able to work around it by not being obstinate or stuck in “the old way of doing things.” See how it makes you feel, comfortable or uncomfortable. If uncomfortable, what would make it more comfortable for you?

Reader Responses

“If you will recall back when Hurricane Andrew hit south Florida, in the 1990’s, I noticed that the trees that were still standing were the Banyan trees. They are strong, but also a very flexible tree. When they were faced with hurricane force winds, they did not break, simply because they moved about with the wind and were deep rooted, so they were still standing after the hurricane.  However, the Royal Palm Trees were completely decapitated. Prior to the hurricane, they stood tall and were sort of pampas looking, hence how they got their name Royal Palms. When the storm hit, the tops of the trees were snapped off from the mid-trunk of the tree, leaving only a stub with no palm fronds left. From this I learned a very valuable lesson in life. “Better Bend Than Break.” Yes, flexibility is one of the keys to survival and dealing with whatever comes at us.” — Don Vance

“Amen to flexibility! Hello Susan, I go so far as to call flexibility a strength. Even though some hardliners interpret flexibility as wimpy and undecided, I believe in being flexible and always on the high side. That’s where the member/customer stands.” — Kurt Bishofberger