Workplace flexibility can be a double-edged sword for workers.By Professor Tim Bentley

Our workforces are entering a new age of flexibility, driven by new digital technologies, globalisation, environmental pressures, changing demographics and new forms of social interaction and organising. But flexibility is a double-edged sword that can be both good and bad for workers.The good: flexible working

Technology has transformed how, when and where work routines and personal activities are conducted. One critical and rapidly growing development in working practices, enabled by digital technology, is the notion of ‘anywhere, anytime working’, also known as flexible working.

Studies from several countries have shown productivity benefits from flexible working. Workers save time and energy by not commuting at peak times, or at all; they have increased autonomy and uninterrupted working time; such arrangements also provide for greater work-life balance, increased individual wellbeing and retention within the workforce.

In today’s workplace, flexible working is no longer thought of as a perk, but as a legitimate option for not only those with care responsibilities, but anyone who does ‘knowledge’ work. Organisations are rethinking what work is – rather than a place, work is now a process than can be done anywhere. An increasing number of organisations internationally are adopting flexible ways of working, including working from home and co-working centres and hubs.  Continue to read full article