Flexibility all the rage among hiring businesses

"What's the best way to woo job seekers?"

It's a question that business owners of all stripes have been asking themselves of late, as the economy is operating at full-tilt given openings are outpacing those looking for employment. Conventional wisdom would suggest that higher pay gets the job done – in more ways than one – but as newly released surveys suggest, recruiting companies are seemingly striking a chord with applicants by appealing to their fondness for flexibility.

From dress down Fridays to telecommuting, more employers are offering applicants perks that gives them greater amounts of free reign. For instance, in a poll conducted by CareerBuilder, 36 percent of hiring managers said they were promoting the fact that applicants could dress casually on the job should they be hired – more so than any other perk. Additionally, 25 percent said they were making remote work an option, the third most common fringe benefit cited by hiring and human resource managers.

Flexibility advantageous for employers and employees
Not only are flexible work schedules more common and highly desirable, but companies that have already implemented similar policies say it's proven mutually beneficial. And those that have yet to do so – but are considering it – feel the same way.

"More companies recognize that the best work doesn't always happen in the office Monday through Friday from 9 to 5," explained Diane Domeyer, executive director for The Creative Group, a staffing firm. "A flexible workplace, where employees have greater control over when and where they work, can improve productivity and job satisfaction. It can also be a big draw for professionals, helping companies attract and keep the best talent."

Greg Kuchcik wholeheartedly agrees. Serving as vice president of human resources for data discovery platform Zeeto, Kuchik told the Society for Human Resources Management that his company has prioritized flexibility by setting up "a fun, intimate and personable [workplace] culture that caters to individuals."

He added that unexpected, outside-the-box flexibility perquisites – such as ordering in ice cream or pizza for jobs well done – have also served the company well, which recently made Inc. magazine's list of the fastest growing businesses in the U.S. Plus, benefits such as these don't cost a lot of money, producing greater team camaraderie in the process.

However, Domeyer noted that business owners need to be careful not to allow their workers to let their hair down too much, as flexible work schedules and more casual employment settings can be abused.

"Employees must remember that with freedom comes responsibility," Domeyer emphasized. "To maintain privileges like a flexible schedule, staff must continue to deliver results and meet goals."

Starting salaries now swelling
Still, businesses aren't loath to sticking to the old standbys of what job seekers must want – more money. In a Robert Half Technology poll of 2,500 senior managers, 43 percent of respondents said they were offering more generous compensation packages to individuals still on the job hunt. Approximately 4 in 10 paying more virtually mirrors what the CareerBuilder survey revealed, with 45 percent of employers intending to increase starting salaries in the second half 2018.

Hiring can be a tough task when your starting a business, given you have so many other priorities to deal with. The Law Offices of Donald W. Hudspeth specializes in pragmatic advice, and strategic recruitment that are in line with your capabilities and goals as a company. We also offer practical legal experience to solve and resolve any and all business law complications. In short, we can turn problems into solutions.

Please don't hesitate to contact us to learn more.

Categorised in: Starting a Business in Arizona

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