Flexible, or agile?

Not talking about fitness today.

Today’s discussion concerns remote work and changing the stigma behind ‘flexible work’.

The Pandemic saw a huge chunk of the female workforce tap out for a variety of reasons. Childcare, of course, was a significant point, as schools and daycares closed down to quarantine. Moms needed to be more available, and many workplaces just didn’t want to deal with the logistics.

Thus, the exodus began, but as women re-entered the workforce, new challenges entered the scene.

Many women still need a flexible work arrangement – some for personal needs like mental health, others for family needs like caring for children or aging parents.

Workplaces have a hard time finding employees, so many are willing to consider a few compromises. That said, according to >>Deloitte’s Women @ Work<< report, 95% of working women don’t believe their bosses would let a flexible schedule fly.

Change is needed, so some women’s groups are trying to change the stigma of flexible work, even renaming it to ‘agile work.’

This new work system of hybrid work (two days in-office, three days at home) has been working well for many that have adopted it, and why not?

Let’s be real here.

Taking some of the stress off the home life is one way to keep an employee. It takes two minutes to throw a load of laundry in, and taking that short mental break from the computer might help productivity in the long run, making for happier employees and employers.

Ultimately, it’s really about boundaries. A healthy work-life balance benefits everyone involved, including families and shareholders.

There’s enough stress in the day-to-day work world, so keeping work culture open and fluid to change is what’s on people’s minds these days.

It will be interesting to see the effects of this over the next decade!

Things change, and nothing is set in stone (despite appearances). The same goes for your financial goals.

When were you last ‘flexible’ or ‘agile’ in your planning? When was the last time you reviewed your financial plan? It’s time – call 330-836-7800 for a 15-minute financial consultation, or >>book a time in my calendar.<<