{"id":38896,"date":"2025-06-26T08:00:52","date_gmt":"2025-06-26T12:00:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eptura.wpengine.com\/?p=38896"},"modified":"2025-06-26T07:47:31","modified_gmt":"2025-06-26T11:47:31","slug":"embracing-flexibility-in-the-workplace","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eptura.com\/discover-more\/blog\/embracing-flexibility-in-the-workplace\/","title":{"rendered":"This month in FM trends: Embracing flexibility in the workplace"},"content":{"rendered":"

Enterprise-size organizations across industries have implemented the hybrid work model for employees, and although more people are coming into the office more often, only a few are moving back to the traditional in-office workweek.\u00a0 In fact, only 6% of companies surveyed said they would adopt or maintain a full-time attendance policy, according to Eptura\u2019s <\/span>2025 Workplace Index report<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s just one example of how flexibility has become a key trend in facility and workplace management, reshaping how organizations operate and how employees think about work. From micro-shifts to dynamic workspaces, the concept of flexibility is being embraced in various forms to enhance employee satisfaction, productivity, and overall well-being.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Welcome to our monthly deep dive into important industry trends for workplace and facility management (FM) professionals.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What is flexibility in the workplace?<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Flexibility in the workplace refers to the adaptability and freedom employees have in managing their work and personal lives. It covers a range of practices, from flexible schedules that allow workers to choose their hours, to flexible workspaces that offer the option to work remotely or in a variety of office settings. This approach not only enhances employee satisfaction and well-being but also boosts productivity and retention, making it a valuable strategy for modern organizations.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

From perceived luxury to recognized benefit<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

The concept of flexibility in the workplace has undergone a significant transformation over the past 20 years, evolving from a niche benefit to a core component of modern work culture.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Two decades ago, organizations and employees saw flexibility as a luxury rather than a necessity. Companies might offer limited options like part-time work or occasional remote days, but these were exceptions rather than the norm. When employees thought of the workweek, it was Monday through Friday, from nine to five. Today, many consider flexibility an important part of employee well-being and job satisfaction. Many organizations now see it as a strategic advantage in attracting and retaining top talent.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

New technology has been a major driver of this shift. The widespread adoption of high-speed Internet, cloud computing, and collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams has made it easier for employees to work from anywhere. Technological infrastructure has not only enabled remote work but has also facilitated flexible scheduling, allowing teams to collaborate effectively regardless of their physical location. When everyone on the team can access the same documents from anywhere, collaboration is no longer locked to specific times or locations.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Do different generations in the workplace approach flexibility differently?\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Employee expectations have changed, and in today\u2019s job market, many candidates are looking for companies that offer flexible work options. The demand has pushed some organizations to adopt more flexible policies to remain competitive.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In the episode \u201c<\/span>\u2019Flexibility is the Future of Work\u2019 \u2013 Strategies for Business Success, Workforce Management, and Building Productive Teams<\/span><\/a>,\u201d Silvija Martincevic, CEO of Deputy, a global workforce management platform, explains how a younger generation is updating the definition of a workday.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

From 9-5 to micro-shifts<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

“Gen Z today makes up 51.5% of the hourly workforce. For the first time in 2025, they\u2019re now the majority of the workforce. If you want to innovate in the workplace, you need to ask yourself, \u2018What does this newer generation want? What do they want out of work and how do they approach work?\u2019”\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

According to Martincevic, a traditional workday doesn\u2019t appeal to Gen Z. Instead, they\u2019re looking for flexibility and want more control over their personal and professional lives.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Micro-shifts are a more flexible and dynamic approach to work scheduling. Instead of following a fixed, daily block of hours, micro-shifts allow employees to work in shorter, more frequent intervals, which can range from a few minutes to a few hours, and they can be scheduled at various times throughout the day or week. The key idea behind micro-shifts is to align work hours more closely with individual productivity peaks and personal commitments, thereby enhancing efficiency and work-life balance.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For example, during an average 9-to-5 day, an employee might struggle to maintain high levels of productivity. They might find themselves more alert and focused in the morning but less so in the afternoon. In a micro-shift model, the same employee could work a few intense hours in the morning, take a break, and then work a few more hours in the evening when they feel more energized.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Micro-shifts can be particularly beneficial for those with non-traditional responsibilities or lifestyles. Parents, for instance, might find it easier to manage childcare and work by scheduling micro-shifts around their children’s school hours.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe are seeing that they want micro-shifts that effectively help them get flexibility so they can take care of their kids, so they can take care of their parents. And 9 to 5 is just not working anymore,” Martincevic says.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How can companies create flexible workspaces?<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Flexible workspaces are physical environments that can accommodate a variety of work styles and schedules. They\u2019re popular with freelancers, startups, remote workers, and even large corporations looking to provide their employees with more dynamic and collaborative settings.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

These workplaces can include:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n