Some people are more productive in the morning, while others work well at night. For this reason, many employees today seek flexible hours, meaning a schedule that allows them to start and finish their workday when they want.
A 2021 study found that 43% of employees achieve greater productivity with flexible working hours, while another 64% were more likely to consider a job with time flexibility than without. These numbers show that flexible work schedules are effective, especially in today’s digital age, where anyone can work anywhere, anytime, if they have the proper equipment.
However, flexible time is not for everyone. Read on to learn about flex time’s meaning, its difference from a fixed schedule, its pros, cons, and how you can make the most of it.
Flexible Hours vs. Fixed Schedule: What’s the difference?
Flexible working hours allow employees to work whenever they want, usually within the permitted working hours of their company. For instance, an employee who prefers to work in the morning can clock in at 6 AM and clock out at 3 PM, while one who prefers to work later in the day can clock in at 11 AM and clock out at 8 PM.
Meanwhile, a fixed schedule requires employees to clock in and out at a certain time at work.
Millennial and Gen Z employees prefer flexible work schedules because they can achieve a work-life balance. A 2022 study also showed that 74% of Filipinos prefer to work on flexible hours as businesses consider, adopt, and refine hybrid work models in today’s post-pandemic world.
Pros and Cons of Flexible Working Hours
Flexible work schedules are not for everyone. If you’re planning to adopt flexible hours at work, you should weigh its pros and cons first.
Pros
- Adjust work schedule to personal needs
Flexible working hours let you balance your work and personal lives. For instance, working earlier in the day allows you to do more in the afternoon and night, like exercise, do errands, work on a part-time job or side hustle, or meet with friends. Alternatively, working later lets you focus better during quiet hours or when your co-workers are not around.
You can also offset work hours if you have a flexible work schedule. If you worked on a supposed rest day, you could exchange it for a day off on a workday.
- Saves time
Whether you work at home or in a co-working space, flexible working hours save time in many aspects. For one, clocking in and out at work anytime allows you to avoid traffic or rush hour. Flexible working hours also give you more time for other matters, like exercise, walking your dogs, or quality time with your loved ones.
- Enables a sense of autonomy
Past studies have shown that workers tend to be happier with their job when they have freedom and autonomy. As such, when you adopt flexible working hours, you may also enjoy your job more and perform better at work.
Controlling your work hours also means taking advantage of your productive energy. An Indeed survey found that 52% of employees feel burnt out partly due to time management problems. This is where energy management comes into play. Knowing when you’re more productive can help you work better.
Cons
- Makes it difficult to match meetings with colleagues or clients
You might have a challenging time collaborating with your colleagues if you all have flexible work schedules. You may also have difficulty meeting with clients with a fixed schedule.
- Blurs the line between personal and professional life
You might be compelled to respond to colleagues or clients messaging you before or after your work hours, especially if they have an urgent request. You may have difficulty separating your personal and professional lives if you don’t establish boundaries.
- Requires discipline and diligence
Having complete control over your work hours also means disciplining yourself at work. Doing so might be harder to enforce if you work at home, where countless distractions can take you away from work.
How to Make the Most of Flexible Working Hours
Having a flexible work schedule can be rewarding if you know how to enforce it well. Here are some ways to maximize your flexible working hours.
- Communicate needs to your employer/client
Your colleagues or clients will only know your work needs if you share them. Tell them when you arrive at and leave work or go online or offline so they can message or email you at appropriate times and respect your off hours.
- Set boundaries
Make others respect your flexible working hours, meaning you must inform your colleagues or clients when you clock in and out so they can sync with you and vice versa. Reinforce that you will be unable to respond during your off hours so they can manage their expectations.
At the same time, finish your daily tasks on time and discipline yourself to prevent delays and help your colleagues or clients achieve their goals too.
- Find a conducive workplace
Whether you’re a freelancer or a full-time employee with remote work benefits, it may be more conducive to work in an office or co-working space than at home. While the latter is more cost-effective, it may affect your productivity and focus during your preferred work hours.
Meanwhile, working in an office or co-working space helps you separate your personal and professional lives and access the necessary equipment and tools to do your job well.
Finding a Co-Working Space in the Philippines
M Spaces is your best bet if you’re looking for a conducive co-working space in the Philippines. Located in Ortigas, one of the central business districts in Metro Manila, M Spaces offers an array of furnished spaces for small teams and freelancers. We are also open from Mondays to Fridays, from 8 AM to 5 PM. However, it can accommodate extended working hours and weekend requests.
Moreover, M Spaces offers unlimited access to fast-speed Wi-Fi, printers, scanners, photocopiers, receptionist assistance, and mail-handling services to help tenants with their daily work.
With M Spaces, you don’t have to worry about working too early or too late. You can hold client meetings, finish your tasks, and even accomplish a side hustle anytime. For more information, visit our FAQ page or message us on our Facebook and Instagram pages.
