Is flexibility the answer?
Liana Gorman from Part Time Online asks Are working flexible hours really meeting our expectations of quality of life or is it just an excuse to work 24/7? ‘Has flexibility in the workplace become a friend or foe?’

In our quest to achieve the ideal work-life balance many of us find ourselves falling into the trap of non-stop work. As expectations in the workplace are slowly moving toward the delivery of outcomes, a new found freedom has been created for many employers; one which has enabled us to work where we want and when we want.

Is it possible to avoid total fusion?

We must keep our two worlds at a fair distance in order to avoid compromising either our personal needs or our work targets. For many, there is no line or separation between work and home life - these commitments have become blurred. Defining and allocating your time needs to be carefully thought out according to your own personal schedule. So how does one avoid working non-stop and achieve this balance? It is imperative to understand that there is no universal answer. Personal guidelines and boundaries need to be created and then self discipline must be enforced to ensure that the individual’s goals are met. Here are a few simple guidelines to help you find your answer in the process;

1. Understand the reasons why you wanted flexible employment in the first place or think about what attracted you to this way of working. Going back to the “why” is exceptionally important in keeping a focused approach to your work.
2. Understand your personal capabilities. Some individuals have a huge concentration span which enables them to work consistently whilst others need to take regular breaks. No matter what type of worker you are, it is essential to find a balance or a system that suits your work ethic.
3. Think about how and when you replenish your energy reserves. Setting aside “me time” is incredibly valuable and acts as a checking mechanism to ensure you are driving your flexible life and that it is not driving you!
4. Can you say “no” to yourself? Self discipline is incredibly important. In a world of Blackberries and broadband internet access, the temptation is almost too great to read that last email or answer that phone call regardless of time or day. You must ask yourself, What are my personal rules around this and are they in line with the reasons why I wanted to be flexible in the first place?

As our employment focus moves more and more towards outcome based projects and work, individuals must move more into the space of “self management”. To achieve this, individuals must really understand their own personal motivations and how they can use these to maximise their quality of life. Remember, there is no right or wrong answer. There is just YOUR personal answer!

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