The pros and cons of flexible working - driven by cloud technology

The rise of mobile and cloud technology has made the possibility of flexible working a reality for many businesses and their employees, who would have once needed to be at their desks in order to get the job done. Cloud software and technological developments mean that employees really can now be anywhere and get on with their job as efficiently as if they were at their desk, as long as there is an internet connection. With this in mind, we have taken a closer look at some of the pros and cons of flexible working from the employer point of view.

Pros of flexible working for employers

1. More motivated employees
2. Greater efficiency if staff are working instead of commuting
3. Reduced turnover of valued staff
4. Lower absenteeism rates
5. Looks good for you as an employer – putting employees first
6. People can work when they feel most productive, even if this is outside the 9-5 hours
7. Attract talented workforce to whom flexible working is appealing
8. Promotes a diverse workforce

Cons of flexible working for employers:

1. Arranging group meetings can become difficult
2. Trust required
3. Disjointed projects can occur
4. Some people may take advantage
5. Disgruntled employees who need to be office based
6. May become difficult to monitor performance
7. Communication breakdown may occur

When it comes to flexible working, there are many pros and cons but ultimately your business structure will determine if flexible working will truly benefit your organisation. Some employees might be needed in the office for meetings and to communicate regularly with other departments, whereas other employees might be fine to adopt a flexible approach. However, whatever your structure, technological developments have certainly made it possible to work anytime, anywhere.

For more information about how cloud software can help you adopt a flexible approach, or to learn how it could benefit your business, take a look at Pegasus Business Cloud .