In today’s world, flexible work arrangements (FWAs) are more than a perk—they’re becoming essential for employee satisfaction and sustained productivity. JustLogin, in collaboration with Black Mountain and the Institute for Human Resource Professionals (IHRP), hosted a valuable webinar that explored strategies for implementing FWAs effectively. Here are the standout insights shared by industry experts and practical strategies to help any organisation embrace flexibility.
Why Flexibility Matters
Victoria Pretty, an experienced HR consultant from Black Mountain, opened the discussion with Singapore’s new FWA guidelines coming into effect on 1 December 2024. From this date, every employee in Singapore—whether a local or foreigner—will be able to request flexible working arrangements from their employer. But flexibility goes beyond just working from home; it includes part-time hours, compressed workweeks, and more personalised working hours that align with individual and business needs.
Victoria shared, “The bottom line is to involve everyone in the business—from leadership to managers and HR teams. Flexibility is an organisational shift that requires buy-in across all levels.”
Key Takeaway: Flexibility isn’t only about location; it’s about structuring hours, responsibilities, and roles to benefit both employees and the business.
Designing Processes Around Flexibility
JustLogin’s Chiou Hao highlighted how digital tools make flexible work practical for diverse, multigenerational workforces. Employees from different backgrounds have unique expectations for digital engagement and autonomy. Chiou Hao advised that businesses re-evaluate processes to support these expectations, given the high value today’s workforce places on efficiency and flexibility.
Key Takeaway: Organisations need to create flexible policies that cater to the digital-native preferences of today’s workforce.
Building Trust through Transparent Communication
For FWAs to work well, open communication and trust are essential. Steven Fedor, Group CEO of Black Mountain, emphasised that managers need to shift from “seeing is believing” to trusting team members’ productivity. Aslam Sardar from IHRP added that setting clear expectations and transparent communication helps avoid misunderstandings and keeps everyone aligned.
Victoria added, “Every employee should know the company’s stance on flexibility. It’s essential to provide a clear policy or guideline, so they understand the available options without any ambiguity.”
Key Takeaway: Transparent communication builds trust, which is crucial for FWAs. Employees need to feel supported and secure in their flexible arrangements.
Addressing Flexibility for Customer-Facing Roles
One common question raised was how to make FWAs work for customer-facing roles. While it’s simpler to offer flexibility for remote or office-based roles, customer service positions may require a bit more creativity. Solutions like rotating shifts, digital communication tools, and focusing on outcomes over strict schedules were discussed.
Key Takeaway: Flexibility can be achieved in customer-facing roles by adjusting shift timings, setting core hours, or using technology to ensure quality service without compromising employee needs.
Leveraging AI and Technology to Support Flexibility
In a tech-driven workplace, AI and automation are invaluable for FWAs. JustLogin has integrated AI tools into its HR platform, offering customisable forms for flexible work requests and AI-powered recruitment tools to enhance employee experiences. AI also aids in scheduling, productivity tracking, and managing requests.
Chiou Hao noted, “We see AI as an enabler for flexible work. It helps to optimise workloads, anticipate needs, and manage productivity in a way that feels seamless for both employees and employers.”
Key Takeaway: AI and technology are powerful enablers for FWAs, supporting productivity while allowing for greater flexibility.
Training and Mindset Shifts for Lasting Change
For FWAs to last, employees and managers need the skills and mindsets to thrive in a flexible environment. Training on prioritisation, collaboration, and digital tools is vital, as is adopting an outcome-focused mindset over a presence-focused one. Leaders play an essential role by leading by example, setting clear boundaries, and respecting employees’ personal time.
Key Takeaway: To make FWAs successful, companies should invest in training, supportive policies, and encourage a mindset focused on productivity and trust.
Embracing Flexibility for a Future-Ready Workforce
This webinar was a powerful reminder that flexible work arrangements aren’t just trends—they’re transformative shifts in how we view work itself. As flexibility becomes essential for employee satisfaction and sustained productivity, companies that take the time to implement thoughtful, adaptable policies will not only retain top talent but also create a culture of trust and engagement. It’s about building workplaces where employees feel valued and supported, and where they can truly bring their best selves to work each day.
By adopting these flexible strategies, companies can create an environment where people and productivity thrive together, fully prepared to face whatever the future brings. Embracing flexibility is more than a strategy; it’s a commitment to a future-ready, people-first workplace.
Ready to make flexible work effortless? Embrace a new level of flexibility with JustLogin’s HR platform. Our Custom Form feature lets you easily design and manage employee requests for flexible arrangements—whether it’s adjusting work hours, remote setups, or hybrid schedules. With seamless integration into your HR processes, JustLogin helps you build a workplace where flexibility isn’t just an option but a built-in advantage.
If you require deeper consultation on your HR matters and would like to work with our partners at Black Mountain, you can do so by contacting Yu-Jin Lau, Global Client Solutions Manager (+65 9844 4417) or visit their website at www.blackmountainhr.com
Webinar Presenter Version: For a detailed walkthrough, watch our webinar presenter’s insights on the topic here: Presenters Video: Adopting & Adapting Flexible Work Arrangement Webinar
Panelist Video Version: Get perspectives from our expert panelists by viewing the discussion here: Panel Discussion: Adopting & Adapting Flexible Work Arrangement Webinar
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