Page 101 - 100 Great Business Ideas: From Leading Companies Around the World (100 Great Ideas)

40 FLEXIBLE WORKING

Allowing employees to be flexible about exactly where and when
they work can lead to significant improvements in performance and
job satisfaction.

The idea

Sophisticated laptops, wireless internet, a post-baby boomer
generation demand for a healthier work–life balance, and possibly
a shortage of alarm clocks, have resulted in the demand for flexible
working becoming ever louder.

Advancements in technology have made the option of corporate
flexibility a reality that is yet to be realized by many organizations.
Telecommunications company Vodafone made the move to mobility
in 2004, when it revolutionized its headquarters, creating a large,
campus-like design with “break-out spaces where meetings can take
place with laptops and notepads out.” Employees were given laptops,
mobile phones, and wireless internet to encourage flexibility.
Vodafone commented, “people can even sunbathe with their laptop
while they work . . . even be at home and still work.” The Vodafone
scheme has generally been met with company-wide approval, with
improvements in productivity and performance.

There has never been a better time to make the move to flexible
working, as it is not just a nice idea but is becoming a necessity—
for example, some countries, including Britain, have introduced
compulsory flexible working rights legislation for parents. It is
sensible to adapt your organization now to let the social, legal, and
cultural shift toward flexible working begin working for you.

94 • 100 GREAT BUSINESS IDEAS