Gone are the days of 9-to-5 schedules and office-bound work arrangements. Today, more and more employees are seeking flexibility in their work lives, from flexible locations to flexible schedules.
Let’s explore why employees are seeking more flexibility and how the public sector can accommodate these needs to drive employee satisfaction and engagement, and the modern HR technology that can help support initiatives.
The case for flexibility
Flexibility is no longer just a perk – it’s a necessity. From new parents to avid travelers, employees are seeking work arrangements that give them the freedom to structure their workday in a way that meets their unique needs. At the same time, employees are increasingly recognizing the importance of work-life balance and seeking employment opportunities that allow them to prioritize their health and well-being.
In Ceridian’s 2023 Pulse on Talent Report, 49% of survey respondents said flexibility/work-life balance is the most important to them. Respondents aged 18-24 noted they value it most at 44%, even higher than compensation at 41%.
By accommodating employees, employers can show that they value their employees’ needs and are committed to creating a supportive work environment. These in turn will combat disengagement, quiet quitting, and high turnover.
Discover more findings from Ceridian’s 2023 Pulse on Talent Report.
How employers can accommodate employee needs
Offering choice is a great first step for public sector organizations, but it’s important for the organization to take the right steps to ensure service delivery and public perception isn’t compromised. Employees want a variety of options but not all options work for the variety of roles found in the public sector. Here are some options to explore:
Flexible schedules
Flexibility in scheduling can be an added benefit for employee’s overall wellbeing. Some employees feel more productive at different times of the day, and some may want to schedule their workday around personal appointments. There are different types of flexible schedules, from highly flexible, where a full 40 hours isn’t required as long as deadlines are met; to compressed schedules where employees work a four-day workweek instead of five.
Whatever choice is made, public sector organizations need to ensure delivery of services is still being met for constituents. For example, organizations must ensure there is an adequate number of staff scheduled during operating hours.
Flexible work arrangements
Remote, hybrid and onsite work… it’s a topic that OnActuate has explored in-depth before regarding the public sector. There are pros and cons to all three types of arrangements, from more productive and engaged employees, to time-theft and conflict arising amongst teams.
Not all employees want fully remote and not all employees enjoy hybrid or onsite. Sometimes a balance between the three options must be established.
If your public sector organization offers these three options, there could be some challenges when it comes to managing teams. However, utilizing the right technology can enhance the perks, keep employees engaged, and help managers navigate their teams.
Technology that embraces flexibility
Human capital management (HCM) technology is the natural evolution of human resources technology. The public sector can no longer afford to simply have technology that manages payroll. There must be an investment in technology that manages employees themselves, allowing employers to see them as individuals with their own unique needs.
This is how HCM technology can enhance work flexibility:
- Provide the right tools: Give your employees the technology and tools they need to work from anywhere, any time. HCM software offers time off requests and transparent schedules for the whole team. Employees can easily access the tool without being tied to a physical office.
- Encourage open communication: Motivate employees to communicate regularly with managers and colleagues. This will foster a sense of connection and community, even when employees are working remotely. Managers can post information and make announcements, so their teams are always on the same page.
- Set clear expectations: Clearly define what is expected of employees in terms of work hours and availability. This will ensure that employees have the structure they need to be productive and successful, no matter where they are working from. Utilize the software to upload policies, employee handbooks, benefits packages and other documents so they can find the information on their own.
OnActuate offers two types of HCM software that can benefit any public sector organization. Explore the options below:
Embracing the future
The future of the public sector workforce is about empowering employees to work in a way that meets their unique needs. By offering flexibility, employers can drive employee satisfaction, engagement, and productivity, helping to create a more supportive and inclusive work environment.
Ready to invest in your employees? Connect with us to discuss opportunities.