In recent years, there has been a significant shift from traditional working arrangements to more flexible working patterns. Flexitime is a variable work schedule that enables employees to attain a better work-life balance. It allows workers the freedom to work any way they choose outside a set core of hours determined by the employer. Although it may seem that this scheme is only beneficial to employees, IT businesses are introducing flexible working arrangements because of the business benefits they can bring. Introducing a flexible working policy can benefit everyone; particularly employers, employees and their families.

Many IT employers who introduce flexitime believe that it makes good business sense and brings about a number of improvements. Not only does it allow them to retain skilled staff and reduce recruitment costs as well as reacting to changing market conditions more effectively, but it also attracts a higher level of skills because the business is able to attract and retain a skilled and more diverse workforce.

Savings are often made in overheads when employees work from home. Flexitime also gives greater job satisfaction and better staff morale which in turn brings with it greater continuity as staff, who might otherwise have left. Many employers find that a better work-life balance has a positive impact on staff retention, and on employee relations, motivation and commitment. Removing rigid employment policies encourages innovation and creativity, as diversity tends to improve the quality of thought, behaviour and output by the employee.

The main benefit of flexible working arrangements for employees is the increased opportunity to strike a better balance between their home and work responsibilities. They are able to fit other commitments and activities in with work and make better use of their free time. This can be particularly helpful for people caring for children. Employees are likely to feel more in control and avoid a lot of the stress attributed to daily commuting at peak times. It is often the case that employees feel more motivated and satisfied.

In some countries, flexitime has proved to be so successful that it has become increasingly widespread. In the UK, the government introduced legislation that gave parents of young children or parents of disabled children the ability to request a flexible working arrangement from their employer. This legislation was so well received that eligibility was extended to include carers of certain adults.

An important aspect of flexitime is recognising that people lead complex lives outside their place of employment and often have diverse responsibilities and duties unrelated to their job. By providing flexible work options IT employers can help to ensure people can contribute effectively at work while simultaneously meeting their non-work commitments. Although some employers see flexitime in terms of the imposition that it causes, or cost, it brings with it numerous business advantages, particularly excellent staff loyalty, high productivity which has often resulted in an enhanced reputation with customers.

Castille Resources is a specialist ICT recruitment company offering candidates a broad range of flexible work opportunities within ICT.

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