Intelligent SME.tech Issue 08 | Page 26

// PREDICTIVE INTELLIGENCE //

FOR ORGANISATIONS
AND THEIR PEOPLE TO REAP
THE REWARDS OF FLEXIBLE
WORKING , IT ’ S
IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT FILLING SHIFTS IS MORE THAN A TICK BOX EXERCISE .
Yet this idea that our working lives could ( and should ) continue being more flexible is one that many will be keen to hold on to .
Who benefits ?
Before we think about getting back to ‘ normality ’, let ’ s take what we ’ ve learnt from the disruption of the pandemic and build on it . So , what can we do to ensure the advantages of more flexible working can continue post-pandemic ?
From an employment perspective , full flexibility and autonomy over working patterns , hours and pay , including being paid weekly for better cash flow , are all attractive benefits . For many , such as single parents , offering these benefits makes paid employment a viable prospect when otherwise government support would have been the only option .
Parents are certainly not the only demographic to benefit from flexible work . The labour force is changing , we now work until we are older more than ever before . And living longer than before , which means that more of us than ever are shouldering the responsibility of caring for elderly parents and relatives .
Plus , unprecedented numbers are working more than one job or running a small business as a side hustle , and simply don ’ t want to commit to a regular working pattern . These people have a lot to offer . The adaption of skills and inclusivity that creates an active , prosperous economy .
Build your own bank of staff
Agency workers are notoriously expensive and ineffective as new staff on site need to be trained and made aware of company policies . What people powered businesses , that depend on having enough staff members on the ground to get the work done , should be doing is looking to create an internal workforce or bank of staff . This internal workforce is available at short notice to fill shifts depending on workload and offers the best of both worlds as it keeps cost levels down and provides the business with a seamless backup , should they need it . For the workers it offers them the flexibility and
26 intelligent
. tech
Intelligent SME . tech