Manager Insists Employee Cease Exploiting Flexible Work Schedule; Plan Backfires on Supervisor
In the world of work, the concept of flexible schedules has emerged as a powerful tool for both employees and managers, fostering a more dynamic and resilient work environment. This transformation was vividly illustrated in a recent story shared on the 'Malicious Compliance' subreddit by user u/my-reddit-saga.
The author of the post described a situation where their former boss, an older man and a workaholic, suddenly demanded strict adherence to a specific work hour (4 PM). This sudden change had unintended consequences, leading to a series of events that eventually culminated in the boss's apology.
The boss's demand for strict adherence to work hours was a stark contrast to the author's belief in a good boss offering "freedom under responsibility." This belief, held by many, emphasizes the importance of a boss who empowers their team by providing the flexibility to manage their own time, while still holding them accountable for their work.
Unfortunately, the boss in question was not such a boss. His demand for strict adherence to work hours was met with resistance, leading to a situation that highlighted the red flags of a toxic boss. These red flags include consistently overworking employees, lack of control over emotions, taking credit for work, not trusting employees, not advocating for salary increases and promotions, micromanaging, not setting clear expectations, having favorites, not providing constructive feedback, and not being open to new ideas or feedback.
However, the story does not end in despair. The boss, after realizing and admitting his mistake, offered an apology to the author. This act of humility and empathy, though rare, is a testament to the power of understanding and the importance of recognizing one's mistakes.
For employees, flexible schedules allow them to work when they are most productive and accommodate their personal responsibilities, leading to improved work-life balance and job satisfaction. This flexibility fosters loyalty and reduces turnover because employees feel trusted and in control of their time.
For managers and organizations, offering flexible work arrangements can lead to higher employee engagement, which results in better quality work and creativity. Flexible schedules also serve as a strong recruitment advantage, attracting a broader pool of talented candidates who might otherwise be unable or unwilling to work fixed hours. Furthermore, it enhances employee retention, which helps maintain a stable, experienced workforce that contributes to ongoing innovation and productivity.
Additional managerial benefits include improved safety by reducing fatigue among employees and mitigating the risk of accidents, especially in industries with physically demanding shifts. Flexible scheduling also reduces the impact of absenteeism by allowing more adaptable staffing models.
In summary, flexible work schedules offer numerous benefits for both employees and managers. They promote a healthier, more dynamic, and resilient work environment by enhancing employee engagement, improving recruitment and retention, and increasing productivity.
Common types of flexible work schedules include flex-time, compressed, remote, part-time, and hybrid. Offering flexible schedules can help with recruitment by attracting talented candidates who value such perks.
In an ideal world, every boss would understand the importance of offering "freedom under responsibility" and the benefits that flexible work schedules can bring. Until then, stories like u/my-reddit-saga's serve as a reminder of the power of standing up for what's right and the potential for change in the workplace.
[1]: Flexible Work Arrangements: Benefits for Employees and Managers. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.glassdoor.com/blog/flexible-work-arrangements-benefits-for-employees-and-managers-113013/ [2]: The Benefits of Flexible Work Schedules. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/ashleystahl/2016/01/22/the-benefits-of-flexible-work-schedules/?sh=6269b467789e [3]: The Advantages of Flexible Working Arrangements. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.hbr.org/2018/10/the-advantages-of-flexible-working-arrangements [4]: Flexible Work Arrangements: Benefits for Employees and Managers. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.glassdoor.com/blog/flexible-work-arrangements-benefits-for-employees-and-managers-113013/ [5]: The Benefits of Flexible Work Schedules. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/ashleystahl/2016/01/22/the-benefits-of-flexible-work-schedules/?sh=6269b467789e
