With technology moving forward in leaps and bounds, flexible work schedules are becoming more popular. For some, the thought of being chained to a desk from 9 to 5 is unappealing. For others, working at home provides too distracting to ensure productivity. There are many advantages and disadvantages for both employers and 
their employees to take into consideration before deciding whether or not a flexible schedule can work.
Employers
Businesses who utilize flexible shifts find that there are many advantages to utilizing this scheduling system.
- Increased morale among the work force and a higher commitment to the company
- A decrease in sick time, personal day and vacation use
- Turnover is drastically reduced
- The capability of operating for extended hours
- Able to recruit high quality employees
Though the advantages gained for employers are many, there are still disadvantages to be had. Many of these occur due to legal issues that can surround flexible shifts such as union contracts, workman’s compensation and employee v. independent contractor status.
Employees
Workers find that there are many benefits to a flexible schedule as well, and are increasingly demanding the ability to be creative in their shift bids.
- Ability to meet family and social obligations
- Money saved from a lack of commuting
- An increase in the feeling of control and empowerment
- Reduced levels of burnout
- Possibly reduced costs surrounding child and pet care, depending on the chosen schedule
The disadvantages to flexible scheduling, from an employee standpoint are few. Some employees may find that issues with co-workers arise, particularly if the company does not offer flexible shifts equally across the board. There may also be instances of being passed for a promotion as some employers see employees on flextime less dedicated to their work than their peers.
Is Flextime Right For You?
If your employer offers a flexible schedule, don’t jump at it without taking the time to weigh the pros and cons. While, initially, flexibility in your schedule may seem a perfect option, it isn’t for everyone. So how do you know if it will work for you and your family? If you can answer yes to all or most of these questions, flextime may be just what you’re looking for.
- Are you able to work well unsupervised?
- Are you a night owl? Does the thought of getting up at six in the morning give you nightmares?
- Do you have children involved in extra-curricular activities?
- Do you need to work at different times on different days?
- Do you have a room in your home that you can turn into a dedicated office space?
- Do you frequently miss outside obligations due to a strict work schedule?
These are just a few things for you to start considering when deciding if a flexible schedule will work for you. You may find that if you answered no to the majority of the questions, flextime won’t work to your advantage. While it may sound appealing initially, give flexible scheduling serious thought. While it does work well for the majority of employees, it doesn’t work well for all.
Author Stacey Carrington is a human resources manager and also writes for shiftschedules.com, which offers online self scheduling for nurses as well as other software for scheduling employees for small to large companies.