This Is Why a Shorter Working Week Is Better for Productivity

The 9 to 5 is seeing a shift in popularity, with many workplaces now valuing flexible work hours and shorter weeks instead. But is it the future of the workplace?

Thanks to constant digital progressions both in and outside of the office, we’re now at a point in time where everyone can enjoy a fast-paced, tech-savvy life with an incredible source of education, news and entertainment at our fingertips. However, this can also mean that switching off and compartmentalising work in a traditional shift can be more difficult.

Rather than treating this as a negative, many companies have instead utilised this change in mentality. It has resulted in a rise of remote and flexible workers, who can use their own time as productively and efficiently as possible, all thanks to advances in the digital workplace.

Flexible hours can increase staff engagement

Even if the majority of your workforce is flexible, there will be a daily crossover where your office is full.

Staff engagement will reflect this as the people who are there will be mentally brighter and ready to work. Participation will increase not only in your physical space but through your company intranet software too. Remote workers will be in a much better capacity to contribute, create, and collaborate with teams.

Not only will this help company productivity, but it can lead to a happier workplace with more positive social reactions and out-of-work socials being likely to be organised. This is especially important for remote workers as it will help them feel like part of a team and combat loneliness.

Flexible hours will create diverse and equal offices

Perhaps one of the most exciting aspects of flexible working is the social impact that it can make to every office.

By enabling staff to work from home or by giving them the option to control their working hours, you will be able to create space and opportunities for people who may be unable to otherwise.

Disability, ongoing health conditions, childcare and family commitments often make the traditional working week impossible for some. Not only does this mean that your workplace will lack a fully representative workforce, but it also means that you will be missing out on particular talent.

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Without flexible working options, those with family commitments can find the traditional working week impossible to manage

By implementing flexible hours, your company will have much more ability to create an equal workplace with gender, disability, and underrepresented groups balanced across your roles. Not only will your workplace feel happier, but you can take pride in a space that shares a wide range of views, values, and backgrounds. For charities and non-profits, in particular, this is a particularly good way at giving the communities you aim to support a voice within your organisation.

Say goodbye to burnout, time-wasting, and sub-quality work

Simply said, not everyone suits a 9 to 5 day.

Perhaps you’ll notice that Monday mornings or Wednesday afternoons seem to drag by with little work getting done. Or, maybe you’re the one who has procrastinated while waiting for your morning coffee to settle in. On the flip side, you may find yourself feeling mentally exhausted, yet are staying in the office and producing slow, lower quality work, or nearing burnout.

This Is Why a Shorter Working Week Is Better for Productivity | Claromentis

The 9 – 5 causing burnout? Flexible hours will help people work when they’re most productive

Flexible hours mean that people will be able to work when they’re feeling their most productive and best. As many studies have found, even though team members may spend less time at work, they are more productive than ever when given a chance to work flexibly. The opportunity to rest fully and give your mind a break when needed works wonders for productivity and can eliminate those office slumps.

In the long run, it can also save money, company time, and resources, by increasing consistent, high-quality results.

Remote working expands your business

An incredible benefit of hiring remote staff is that it can encourage global relationships and work in a manageable and cost-effective manner.

Instead of flying in clients or partners or having to relocate potential staff, remote working means that you can operate with people based in several countries at once.

Corporate social networking and collaboration software is a crucial component of a successful cross-country digital workplace. It will enable large jobs to be completed by several people in entirely different locations while feeling that they are sharing a workspace.

A shorter working week and flexible hours will benefit wellbeing

A four-day week and flexible hours could be the best way to keep your employees sharp, healthy, and happy. The right amount of rest, personal time, and opportunity to work when suited can have a hugely positive impact on your staff mentality.

Not only will workplace happiness increase productivity, but it can potentially save money and time by reducing the amount of workplace conflict, sick leave, time off, and HR tasks.

As digital becomes more reliant both in and outside of the workplace, we can expect to see remote and flexible working become the norm in the next decade. Workforce mentalities have already begun to change and adapt, with positive results and an exciting impact on company productivity.

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