Flexible work is the win-win future beyond the 9-to-5
Photo: Freepik
The COVID-19 pandemic remains one of the greatest disruptions of our time. It didn’t just affect health and the economy; it completely transformed the way we work. It exposed just how fragile traditional work structures were in the face of a crisis. Suddenly, it became clear that the ways of working we once thought were unshakable were, in fact, vulnerable.
But here’s the part we didn’t expect: out of all that disruption, something good emerged. It turns out people can work differently and still deliver results perhaps even better than before.
Flexible working arrangements were once considered a rare privilege, enjoyed only by a select few who could occasionally work without reporting to the office. Today, however, driven by technological advancements and evolving workforce expectations, flexible work has gone beyond mere convenience. It now represents a fundamental aspect of professional engagement and has firmly established itself as a global trend.
As an HR practitioner, I can attest that embracing this shift and ensuring staff have at least one day each week to work from home is essential for employee well-being. The era of chaining employees to office desks five or more days a week is steadily giving way to more trusting, empowering models of work.
Importantly, as flexible schedules, remote work options, and hybrid models gain traction worldwide, we see a direct link to enhanced employee satisfaction. By granting people greater autonomy over how and where they work, companies are discovering not only improvements in work-life balance but also employees who are more engaged, motivated, mentally healthier, and ultimately more productive.
A recent study published in the Science Publishing Group journal revealed the growing link between flexible work and employee satisfaction within Uganda’s private sector. According to the data, 70% of senior managers and 60% of professionals reported greater satisfaction with flexible or remote work. That is not a small finding. The study further showed that organizations actively supporting remote work with robust communication strategies, appropriate digital tools, wellness initiatives, and flexible schedules; reinforce what many HR leaders already observe: employees value autonomy, and when it is granted, they thrive, and so does the company.
That said, we must not pretend that flexible work runs on autopilot. Not all employers can offer remote or flexible arrangements because of the nature of their operations. Some roles require physical presence, specialized equipment, or direct customer interaction. Even in jobs where remote work is possible, flexibility can be abused if not properly managed. Clear measures are necessary to protect productivity and fairness; for example, maintaining availability during normal working hours and ensuring that deliverables are met to the same standards as in-office work. These guidelines safeguard trust and make flexibility work for both employers and employees.
Moreover, companies need to put in the effort to make flexible work effective. This could include regular manager check-ins that go beyond task updates and genuinely address employee well-being. It may also mean offering data packages and internet allowances to ease remote task execution.
The link between an employee’s success at work and their home life is undeniable. We must treat people as whole human beings, not just employees. The truth is that work life and home life are not two separate boxes, they spill into each other. If one is in disarray, the other usually suffers too.
For flexible work to reach its greatest potential, collaboration is key. Government and policymakers have a unique opportunity to lead by example by piloting flexible work arrangements in public agencies. Doing so would not only demonstrate the benefits of flexible work but also set a precedent for private sector adoption.
Admittedly, not all HR managers are ready for this shift. Some still cling to the old ways. But from my experience, and from what the data shows, flexible work benefits everyone: employees, companies, and even clients.
