Celebrating Work Life Week: Embracing flexibility and employee well-being
As part of our ongoing commitment to fostering a healthy work-life balance, we are excited to celebrate Work Life Week. This initiative not only emphasises the importance of flexibility in the workplace but also highlights our dedication to supporting our employees’ diverse needs.
Embracing Flexible Policies
One of the cornerstones of our approach to work-life balance is our flexible policies. We understand that every employee has unique responsibilities and priorities outside of work, whether it be family obligations, personal projects, or self-care. To accommodate these needs, we have implemented a range of flexible working arrangements, central to which are:
Flexible hours: Employees can adjust their work hours to suit their personal schedules. Whether you’re an early riser or prefer to work later in the day, our flexible hours empower you to find your ideal rhythm.
Remote work options: In line with modern workplace trends, we offer remote work opportunities, allowing employees to work from home or abroad, on occasion. This policy not only enhances productivity but also enables our team to maintain their personal lives without compromising their professional responsibilities. Remote work also gives us the flexibility needed to bring the best people on board, regardless of their location.
The option to work from home has become a standard practice for many organisations, and we are proud to embrace this model fully. In the UK, the Flexible Working Bill amendment came into effect in April 2024, allowing employees to request for flexible hours from day one. Empowering individuals to choose their own routine has directly enhanced our inclusivity efforts by accommodating diverse lifestyles and personal needs. This flexibility allows every employee, regardless of their circumstances, to contribute meaningfully in a way that suits them best.
Benefits of flexibility at work
Impact on health
One of the biggest benefits of flexible hours is the positive impact it has on mental and physical health. It is no secret that in an age when we’re really just trying to keep up with life admin, having the flexibility to arrange work around life and not life around work provides much relief. In a recent survey, a FocalPoint employee who chose to remain anonymous said that flexible working helped “significantly improve” their quality of life while offering “more time and energy to deal with life challenges”.
This sentiment is shared by many who have experienced first-hand how flexible working can facilitate recovery and productivity. As one employee shared their personal journey, it became clear how crucial this arrangement is for navigating both health challenges and everyday responsibilities.
“Without flexible working, the serious health issue I experienced earlier this year would have impacted my life much more destructively, as I wouldn't have been able to come into the office for at least 4 months. I work much more productively at home, as I am easily distracted (and am also regularly a distraction to others).” — Christy, DevOps
Flexible working allows individuals to make time for activities that boost physical health: you can take a walk during lunch, fit in a 20-minute workout or even get a few extra minutes of sleep. It also provides more time to pursue hobbies; instead of being stuck in traffic for half an hour, you can use that time to strum a guitar or pop a loaf of banana bread in the oven.
“Working hybridly, means I can look after my wellbeing by attending my gym classes, eating healthily, prioritising sleep if needed. I can protect my relationships with my husband and friends and be a better parent by being around for the school drop offs and going to parents evenings and sports days. I also get to hang out with my dog while I'm at home. But I can still go to the office to nurture my relationships with my colleagues, have productive meetings and enhanced communication and collaboration. I do miss the idle office chit chat when I'm at home though.” - Torie Ford, People Partner
Saving precious time
Study after study has shown that people thrive when they have control over their time. We understand the importance of saving time on commuting, and by offering remote work options, we enable our employees to reclaim valuable hours in their day. This not only enhances productivity but also supports a healthier work-life balance, allowing more time for personal well-being and family.
"Not commuting saves time - this can be shared between work and home. It's valuable for me and (I think) especially anyone with a family. " — Steve Mole, VP Engineering
A balanced, hybrid model
While many employees appreciate the option to work from home, for some, it can feel isolating. Flexible working encompasses not only the freedom to work from home but also the ability to come into the office, which helps to foster a real sense of community. We encourage employees to come into one of our hubs in Bristol or Cambridge for team meetings, company lunches, and for occasionally watching a football or tennis game together. Striking the right balance between remote and in-office work helps build better relationships and makes collaboration easier. Spontaneous conversations can spark innovation or simply lighten the mood (plus, those who come into the office get to enjoy our weekly whiteboard jokes!). By blending these in-person interactions into our flexible working model, we nurture the social side of our workplace while still respecting everyone’s home life, ensuring that all of us can flourish both personally and professionally.
“The flexible working policy has been a fundamental aspect of my work-life balance and productivity as it has enabled me to visit the offices as often as needed to have meaningful meetings and socialise with colleagues, as well as to be able to focus on important tasks without any distractions while working from home.” — FocalPoint employee
Not restricted by lines on a map
Often, a change of scenery can boost creativity and motivation. Our "Work from Abroad" policy allows employees to work from different locations globally. With many of our workforce having families in other countries, this policy not only supports those who want exploration and adventure but also helps those who want to spend time with their friends and family back home.
"As my family lives on the other side of the world, I'm very excited about the Work from Abroad policy which will allow me to spend quality time with my elderly parents while working overseas. The End of Year closure is a great option for people who need to travel longer distances to be with family and friends.” — Ramya Sriram, Digital Marketing Specialist
Work in progress
We’re proud of our journey so far, particularly in challenging the outdated notion that the number of hours spent on a task equates to its quality. A FocalPoint employee echoed our feelings in our recent survey: “The mindset that you are judged by the quality of work and timely delivery of tasks rather than the amount of time that you spend in the office has had an immeasurable positive effect. It has given me peace of mind that has allowed me to deliver my best.”
We understand that a one-size-fits-all policy doesn’t apply to everyone, and we are actively working to create a more inclusive approach to flexible working. We recognise the importance of accommodating different preferences and lifestyles, which is why we are committed to offering a variety of flexible working arrangements. By doing so, we aim to support all employees, ensuring that everyone can find a balance that enhances their health and happiness.
Learn more about inclusivity at FocalPoint.