The Future is Smart. The Future is Flexible.
Technology has certainly developed in the past decade or more and the way in which we use technology has pushed agile working to becoming the “norm”. No longer are we encouraged to work constantly at desks with desktop computers, corded phones and the dreaded mice that skate further and further across our working surface encouraging awkward postures and, in some cases, perhaps unnecessary strains and ‘wrongs’. Now we are thus able work wirelessly, even standing, in multiple locations and even collaboratively.
We first began standardising working processes throughout the industrial period but many organisations are now recognising that employees are happier with varied approaches leading to a more engaged and productive workforce, which has also enabled many companies to meet the demands of their clients or customers in a more creative manner. With this flexibility has come the need for ergonomic solutions in more varied settings, e.g. tablet stands and compact mice. We do wonder, however how many organisations are coping with their employees wish, to adopt ergonomic principles within their working environment; many choose to work in cafe’s, or even at home where employers have little control over how or where they sit or how they work.
Many organisations, from corporate to government bodies, have indeed fully adopted flexible working styles, and we are seeing more and more with the ambition of embracing this period of change with smarter working techniques. Have you a policy of flexible working practice that works for your organisation? If so, what advice could you offer other managers and employers who are considering implementing such an exciting period of change within their workplace?
Do let us know!