To celebrate in style, we hosted nearly 60 clients, consultants and freelancers at SAMA Bankside in London. It was a fantastic event full of networking, knowledge-sharing and celebrating the best of Malt – our commitment to our clients and freelancing community.
As a cherry on top, we also welcomed the industry’s most renowned experts – Jonathan Crowther from Pfizer, Molly Johnson-Jones from Flexa and Dr Gary Crotaz, PhD ACC of Forbes Coaches Council and host of the Unlock Moment podcast – as part of our panel on The Future of Work.
Embracing flexible work
Flexible working has been a hot topic in the business world for quite some time now. Many companies, both small and large, are embracing the idea, while others are still hesitant to jump on board.
Our panellists emphasised that the heart of flexibility revolves around the freedom to choose when, where, and how one works. Flexibility exists on a spectrum, ranging from ruleless, asynchronous working anywhere in the world to more structured arrangements that still accommodate workers' needs.
This new take on work has manifested in several forms, including:
- Flexible working hours
- Remote work
- Part-time work
- Job sharing
- Compressed workweeks
- Gig work and freelancing
The increasing prevalence of these work models has been facilitated by innovations in technology, which have made communication and collaboration more accessible regardless of one's location.
However, while we've made significant strides in adopting flexible working, managers and leaders are often challenged to change their mindsets and practices to fully reap the benefits of this new working model. This shift requires letting go of the "face time" culture and micromanagement and focusing more on results and performance.
To achieve this, companies need to focus on:
- Providing technology and tools that support remote and flexible work
- Encouraging open communication and trust-building activities
- Implementing performance management systems that focus on results
- Establishing clear expectations and guidelines for all employees
One of the most significant advantages of flexible working is the potential for a healthier work-life balance. Our panellists agreed that flexible working allows individuals to better manage the two aspects of their lives, particularly in terms of childcare, eldercare, and other personal commitments.
According to various studies shared by the panel, flexible working can result in significant productivity and retention improvements. However, striking the right balance is not always easy. Work-life integration may sometimes lead to an "always-on" culture, where employees feel obliged to be constantly available. To mitigate this issue, companies should promote a culture that respects boundaries and encourages self-care.
The freelancing economy
The rise of independent workers has further transformed the workplace. Companies must adapt to effectively incorporate freelancers, contractors, and consultants into their teams. It presents companies with fresh perspectives, specialised skills, and a scalable workforce model that enables them to remain agile in the face of market shifts and changing demands. Our panel discussed the importance of fostering open communication, mentoring, and inclusive conversations to ensure these workers feel connected and invested in the organisation.
Striking the Balance and Adapting to Change
While flexible working brings a myriad of benefits, companies still face challenges in implementing this model as they strive to find the perfect balance that suits their individual needs and values. This may involve setting up proper guidelines and expectations, implementing training programs, preparing client-facing teams for change, and refining onboarding and integration strategies for freelance talent.
It's clear that the future of work is moving towards more flexibility as we continue to find new ways to work smarter and prioritise our wellbeing. By embracing change and adapting to new working practices, companies can gain a competitive edge, foster a more engaged workforce, and unlock the full potential of productivity in this evolving landscape.
Watch the full panel and gain more insight into the world of flexible working and freelance economy: