The 9-5 schedule and 40-hour work week have been around for decades. Most people recognise Henry Ford’s factories as the first to adhere to these working conditions to boost productivity and output. Fast forward to over 100 years later, the 9-5 work day is still the norm across most industries. So, is it time to revisit this schedule and give workers more flexibility? Here are a few reasons why businesses are beginning to shift toward more flexible hours and remote work opportunities for their employees. 

Flexibility Can Increase Productivity

Having a rigid work schedule does not guarantee productivity. Some employees are not suited to sitting at a desk from 9 am to 5 pm without any flexibility of working location or time. Some prefer to work at night while the rest of the world is asleep, while others are ready to go first thing in the morning. Allowing employees to choose their work schedule and have more flexibility may increase productivity and help them produce better quality work. 

Working Remote Is More Accessible 

Since the pandemic, remote work schedules have become a new norm for many. With the ability to access everything you need for your workday from home, for most, it’s a no-brainer to opt to stay in rather than commute into the office. Having secure remote access to company databases enables employees to work from the comfort of their homes, giving them more flexibility and choice regarding how they work best. 

Ability To Hire Remote Staff

With some employees opting to work from home, businesses have also realised the potential for hiring offshore staff. By offshoring tasks such as graphic design, IT support, administration and more, the productivity of your in-office staff increases. Hiring offshore staff from overseas also gives your business access to 24/7 support for your customers. Consumers’ increased demand for immediacy means remote staff could benefit your business immensely without having to extend your local employees’ working hours. 

Is the 9-5 Work Day Over? 

Not necessarily. Although there are significant shifts towards more flexible working schedules, that doesn’t mean the 9-5 is entirely over. Some employees enjoy a fixed working schedule to draw a line between work and personal time. Workplaces are likely to give employees more options for how they prefer to work and make working from home more normal. Some businesses choose to have one work-from-home day per week, and others are working towards nine-day fortnights to give employees that extra day to relax.

Have Questions? 

Are you considering moving to a more flexible work schedule or hiring remote staff to join your team? MVP is here to help you with our dedicated team of offshore employees ready to integrate seamlessly, taking the pressure off your existing team. Contact us today to learn more!