Problem
Productivity is one of the most important measurements in business administration as it indicates the cost-for-benefit ratio. Most businesses aim to improve productivity in order to achieve higher revenue. However, the concept of productivity is closely linked with a number of soft metrics, including job satisfaction and employee burnout. It may be essential to maintain a healthy working environment in order to improve productivity. Moreover, productivity is related to the ability to adapt to emerging changes. Therefore, an agile approach may be required for both human resource management and risk management. Such an approach may be achieved by implementing flexible workplaces.
Key Points
First, flexible workplaces may significantly improve job satisfaction. Studies have shown that flexibility allows employees to improve their work-life balance and hence be more satisfied with working conditions (Dixon et al., 2019). Second, workplace flexibility may influence the ability of the organization to apply changes. According to some sources, such an approach allows companies to introduce agile planning and react to changes in the market (Flexible Workplaces, 2021). As the global market is transforming rapidly and new trends emerge constantly, agility in decision-making is particularly important. Finally, flexible workplaces may directly improve worker productivity. Research has found that the opportunities to improve work-life balance also improve employee well-being (Koch, 1998). Consequently, employees tend to be more motivated during working hours and demonstrate higher performance. However, it may be highly beneficial to conduct further research in order to assess the correlation between productivity and workplace flexibility. Concrete management frameworks should be developed to maintain fruitful working environments.
The concept of flexible workplaces should become an inseparable part of business administration as it may enhance job satisfaction, improve worker productivity, and increase adaptability.
Reference
Dixon, J., Banwell, C., Strazdins, L., Corr, L., & Burgess, J. (2019). Flexible employment policies, temporal control, and health-promoting practices: A qualitative study in two Australian worksites. PLOS ONE, 14(12).
Flexible Workplaces (2021). Gale Opposing Viewpoints Online Collection.
Koch, K. (1998). Flexible work arrangements. CQ Press.