There are various ways of working flexibly that today’s corporate ecosystem provides. Some of this include: Work from home, Reduced hours, Job share and job split, Returnee programs, Start ups and Freelancing
What are companies looking for when they are willing to hire resources who want to work flexibly?
The first and the most important aspect is that companies are looking at talent to achieve specific outcomes. They are looking at:
- An updated resume and clear identification of skills
- Responsiveness – First impression is very important
- Clarity on the strengths that you bring
- Ownership and commitment
Once you address the first four points, you then talk about your flexibility requirements. Flexibility is just a way of working
Making flexible working successful
It begins with YOU !
Self Discovery
- Be clear of your strengths. Prepare a few situations that you have faced, the tasks at hand, the actions you took and the results achieved. Situation -> Task -> Action -> Results.
- Up skill to work flexibly if needed
- Understand your work window: How much can you realistically pick up
Organise your Support System
- Delegate and de prioritize work
- Distance yourself to find dedicated time for work
- While you can work flexibly, there needs to be a schedule
- Pick up full time/ half time/ flexible daycare for your child
- Communicate of your new schedule
Green signals to display
- Set realistic expectation
- Be available even if you are working flexibly – Take calls/ message and let them know if you are busy and get back to them at priority
- Communicate about your flexibility requirement – You can mention your working hours in your email signature
- Regular updates of both progress and challenges
- Display ownership while working flexibly – It is not about the number of hours you put in, it is about making things happen
Red signs to avoid
- Over committing doesn’t help anyone
- Sounding defensive or feeling guilty of working flexibly
- Having an attitude that I have put my hours and now it doesn’t matter to me
Image Source: ifairer.com