polkadot press - September 2011
Posted 30.06.10
Changing Workplaces, New Opportunities
The UK workplace continues to change and the pace at which the change evolves continues to accelerate. Recent data and discussions by the REC with Government and leading employers has shone light on a number of trends in the current workplace.
Flexible Labour Market
There is increasing focus on flexibility in the workplace this reflects changing priorities for businesses and workers.
Speaking recently Dr Vince Cable underlined the fact that 'Britain's flexible labour market is one of our key assets and is one of the main reasons that unemployment levels have remained lower than many other countries'.
The REC highlight the benefit temporary workers and contractors provide to UK businesses. At a recent debate on the changing UK workplace TUC General Secretary Brenden Barber made specific reference to this 'a flexible workforce is crucial to help businesses meet peaks in demand'.
The REC state the priority is for politicians to ensure that the benefits of the UK's flexible labour market are reflected in any new policies.
Workplace Flexibility For Permanent Workers
The Government is currently looking at the pros and cons of extending the right to request flexible working for permanent staff. There are some doubts as to whether extending legal rights is the best way of boosting workplace flexibility. But there is no doubt the benefits flexibility can provide for both workers and employers.
Recruitment agencies are in a great position to deliver this flexibility by promoting part-time work opportunities and through the effective supply of permanent and temporary staff.
It's All About The Brand!
Flexible working options are seen as an increasingly important 'selling point' for employers seeking to attract high calibre candidates.
The REC claim there is no doubt that some employers are keen to enhance flexible working options to attract returning mothers to work.
Accommodating different ways of working is seen as a key ingredient of being an employer of choice and increasingly forms part of the 'employer brand' when attracting high calibre candidates.
Demand For Flexible Staffing Is Increasing
The latest RECJobsOutlook data gives a positive picture for temporary workers with 76% of businesses looking to either increase or maintain temporary staffing levels in the short term. 79% were looking to increase or maintain temporary staff over the next 12 months.
Even at the height of the recession, there was still a demand for temporary and contract staff.
The REC claim the reason for this is that flexible staffing arrangements are now embedded in the resourcing strategies of many organisations.
One of the conclusions of the BCC/TUC debate on the changing UK workplace was that the workforce is crucial to the economy in the next few years. The REC's aim is to raise awareness of the benefits flexible working can bring for businesses and workers and to ensure that recognition is given to those who help deliver this flexibility on a daily basis - namely recruitment agencies.
.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Worker's Spending Longer At The Office...
A recent poll of 3000 workers commissioned by the Cornwall Development Company has revealed that workers are spending more time in the office and less at home since the start of the economic downturn, partly because of under-staffing and fears over job security.
The poll revealed that almost a third of the workers polled had seen a negative impact on their work-life balance in recent years. Tough decisions regarding recruitment made by businesses during the economic crisis were blamed for the deterioration.
Employees said that they had extra responsibilities, worked in under staffed offices, put in longer hours to earn money and feared for their job if they did not spend enough time at work.
Four out of Five of the workers polled said a good work-life balance had a positive impact on productivity and businesses ability to attract and retain staff. Whilst almost a third stressed the importance of flexible working hours.
The value of work-life balance has been thrown in to the spotlight recently by economists and politicians with the Governments plans to measure the nations 'happiness'. This report firmly underlines the business case for a good work-life balance.
During tough economic times many businesses/business owners may see the work-life balance/flexible working as a luxury that individuals can do without.
It has been argued that this is a short sighted perspective and that maintaining a motivated and productive workforce is more important than ever in an economic downturn.
This report suggests that employees working for a supportive organisation will reciprocate with increased loyalty, effort and initiative. Whilst those who feel overworked and undervalued will do just enough work necessary to keep their jobs but will jump ship as soon as a better offer presents itself.
Businesses who wish to maintain a loyal and productive workforce where individuals go that extra mile and business moves forward must ensure they consider the increased importance of flexible work patterns to accommodate a work-life balance for their employees.
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Maintaining A Happy Workforce
The above articles have both highlighted the importance of flexibility for workers in the changing workplace. Workers who feel valued and who are looked after by their employer are always more likely to work hard and go that extra mile than those who feel de-motivated and undervalued.
It is imperative businesses recognise that a happy, healthy workforce is inextricably linked to a progressive and successful working environment/business.
The recession has made it difficult for some businesses to offer salary increases to its employees. With the economic climate still faltering it is becoming increasingly important for businesses to look at alternative benefits/rewards for their employees. It is very important in tough economic times that moral amongst employees is maintained so that businesses are working at 100% productivity.
Working in the recruitment industry we have the benefit of reviewing the many different benefits businesses offer their employees. A few examples include incentives for target related industries (shopping vouchers, restuarant vouchers etc), retention or performance related bonuses, gym memberships, subsidised canteens, training/qualifications, childcare vouchers, summer and Christmas parties. Along with the standard benefits such as access to a pension scheme and healthcare.
Benefits are increasingly becoming a way for businesses to not only retain and reward existing staff but are also a way to attract high calibre candidates for new positions.
In summary -
Benefits/Rewards = Happy/Appreciative Workforce = Employees Going The Extra Mile/Moving Business Forward.