How important is having a flexible work schedule?

Flexible working is a necessity especially for companies that work around the clock to serve customers in different time zones.

Many top employers in the world, such as Google, offer employees the ability to arrive at work earlier and leave work earlier. Furthermore, many offer the option for employees to work a certain number of days at home.

But what about SMEs?

Small and medium-sized companies may not yet have the freedom to offer flexible work or may simply choose not to. However, 92% of workers in SMEs who were surveyed said that if they were offered two jobs they would choose the one which offered flexible work. This could be a threat to SMEs as they may lose highly qualified candidates to other companies who take a more progressive approach by offering flexible work.

Quoted in the article by Business Matters magazine was Richard Morris, UK CEO of Regus, who said: “SMEs must think long and hard about the type of roles that they are offering to today’s professionals. The days of the fixed hours, [and] fixed location job[s] are becoming as outdated as the office fax machine. Flexibility is no longer seen as a perk, it is now a key differentiator for talented individuals.”

For talented individuals who desire a flexible work schedule, becoming a contractor is a solution that not only provides flexibility but one that can also offer a substantial increase in earning potential. Industries such as IT, finance and marketing are constantly looking for highly-skilled individuals who can meet the current demand, and at present many businesses are coming to the realisation that having a flexible workforce is the way forward.

Richard Morris comments, “The economic uncertainty requires businesses to be more agile and nimble so operating with a fluid and flexible workforce, using available work space, makes real commercial sense. Put simply, those SMEs not thinking flexibly risk a talent drain.”

While contracting is the future for many skilled employees, SMEs should also consider opening up their doors to more contractors as it will enable them to be more proactive and responsive in this competitive business climate.

If you are considering becoming a contractor, read our blogs on how to find new contracts and how to become a contractor in the UK.

If you have just become a contractor for the first time or have been enjoying flexible work for a while, get in touch with our expert consultants today to find out how we can help maximise your take home pay with our bespoke contractor accounting service. Contact us on 01707 871622 or email on enquiry@churchill-knight.co.uk.