The Importance of Flexibility at Work

The Importance of Flexibility at Work The Importance of Flexibility at Work What does workplace flexibility mean and why is it important? Flexibility on the job includes the willingness and ability to readily respond to changing circumstances and expectations. Being flexible when it comes to work is worth a lot. Employees who approach their job with a  flexible mindset  are typically more highly valued by employers.? Why Employers Value Flexible Employees Essentially, flexible employees are more valuable. Workers with an orientation towards flexibility never say, It’s not my job or Do I have to? when they are asked to take on a new assignment.  Flexible employees modify their approach to tasks based on the preferences of stakeholders and the unique demands of each situation.   Having employees willing to step outside their job description  means employers can get more accomplished. Flexible workers who are able to take on more responsibilities, do different tasks, and do more at work have more to offer their employer than employees who can only do one or two tasks. Having flexible employees means not having to find others to take on more work because flexible employees are willing to do whatever is necessary to get the task accomplished or the job done. Why Employees Value Flexible Managers Flexibility works both ways, and employees appreciate having managers who are flexible. Flexibility skills are also relevant to the approach management takes to handling employees.  Flexible managers treat employees as individuals and make an effort to accommodate personal styles and needs.   Managers who are flexible provide workers with greater latitude about the way they accomplish goals. They assess the needs of employees and provide feedback, guidance, and recognition individually to optimize performance. Being flexible is good for everyone. Share Examples During Job Interviews Flexibility is a trait most employers look for in an employee so regardless of what type of job you are applying for, it will benefit your candidacy if you can show the interviewer examples of how you are flexible and willing to change course. Take some time to write down different times you believe you were flexible at previous jobs (and be proud of yourself if it’s a long list). Examples of Workplace Flexibility Skills   Not sure exactly what makes a person flexible at work? Review these examples of flexibility, and tailor your interview responses to show examples of how you’ve been flexible at work. A - L Admitting an oversight in accounting for expenses and suggesting alternative ways to avoid similar mistakesAllowing employees to work from home when feasible to help balance work with family responsibilitiesAnalyzing the style and preferences of individual subordinates  Assessing the needs and preferences of individual customersCustomizing cover letters to emphasize skills which correspond to the unique requirements of target jobsDelegating routine tasks in order to focus on prioritiesEnabling non-essential employees to work from home on snow days   Enabling workers to vary arrival and departure times as long as they work the prescribed number of hours  Initiating an evaluation of alternative processes for processing loan applicationsLearning complex, new software that will increase efficiencyListening carefully to constructive criticism as part of a performance review O - Z Offering to cover the responsibilities of a colleague while she is on vacationOffering to work extra hours during a year-end crunchPraising the work of a productive employee more frequently because she craves feedbackProviding release time for parents to attend school programsPushing aside the work planned for the day to respond to an emerging problemRewarding subordinates who make impactful suggestionsShifting attention to a customer entering the facility even though immersed in a detailed task Substituting social media for some traditional communications as a way to engage prospective students  Surveying clients about their experience with the company and modifying service delivery based on the findingsTailoring a sales pitch to the unique needs of a customerVolunteering to change your schedule to accommodate another employees needsVolunteering to take the lead for a key presentation when a colleague comes down with an illnessWorking overtime to help a colleague meet a deadline for a funding proposal