Ways to break free from the traditional 9-5
In today?s uber-connected 24-7 world where commerce has gone global, and meetings have become virtual, many people are starting to question if there?s a need for the Monday to Friday traditional 9-5 anymore. The technology already exists to allow more flexible working patterns in most roles, so why haven?t more jobs moved to flexible working?
Moreover, the lockdowns and remote-working policies adopted through the recent Coronavirus somewhat exposed our previous, widely-accepted working norms as being largely unnecessary, forcing many employers and employees alike to wonder whether there might be a better way.
How cloud computing technology is changing the face of employment
There?s little doubting the impact computers, technology, and the internet have had on business in the last thirty or so years but, with the recent development of cloud computing technologies, the web has the potential to allow many employees to work from anywhere they can find an internet connection.
Cloud computing has been heralded as the next big thing in the tech sector, offering collaborative working over a virtual workspace. Moreover, cloud services are more efficient and secure than working on (and storing) files locally – plus have the added benefit of being accessible remotely, leading to a truly mobile workforce.
Ideas to change your 9-5 role
If you work in an office-based role, you should ask your employer to consider investing in cloud tech to facilitate remote working and allow a more flexible working day.
Alternatively, if your role is more hands-on (e.g., in production), it may be possible – and ultimately more productive – for your employer to move to shift-working patterns, allowing manufacturing to continue 16 (or even 24 hours) a day and granting employees more freedom over the hours they work.
Alternatively, if your employer isn?t open to these ideas, you could consider going it alone and working for yourself in a freelance capacity. Freelancers enjoy far greater freedom than their fixed contract counterparts – and, in most cases, can charge much higher hourly rates too.
Moreover, there are countless online resources to help get you started these days – even if you don?t have any particular specialized skills.
For example, if you already drive and own a car or van, you could look at hotshot trucking or courier jobs by signing up to a hot shot trucking platform. These types of sites offer a huge diversity of jobs in terms of value, distance, or load, which could see you earning money at a time (and in a place) that best suits your lifestyle.
The benefits to both employers and employees of shifting from 9-5
While employers are frequently rather reticent to allow their staff more freedom and flexibility, studies show that employees are far more productive if they can choose when and where they work.
Perhaps more importantly, from an employer?s perspective, flexible working arrangements could also significantly reduce their operating overhead by reducing fixed costs like rent, rates, utility bills, and workplace size.
From an employee?s point of view, flexible working affords a better work/life balance, removes the need for the daily commute, puts them in control of their hours, and, ultimately, leads to a better work environment and conditions.
The Final Thoughts
The working time of the employees signifies the productivity of the employees. Hence, it will be much better if they break free from the traditional 9-5. However, if you come across any doubts about the same, you can mention them in the comment section below!
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