Employee Retention in a Tight Labor Market: Flexible Work Arrangements

One of the most requested benefits right now costs nothing: flexibility. Here’s how small businesses are making it work:

Remote Work
As a small business competing with larger organizations with, often, deeper pockets for salaries and benefits, offering remote can be a secret weapon for retention. By allowing your team to work from anywhere with good internet, you can save money on office space an create a huge incentive for recruiting and retaining talented employees.

Setting Up for Success:

• Invest in reliable video conferencing and project management tools
• Establish clear communication guidelines and expectations
• Create a secure digital infrastructure for remote access
• Develop metrics for measuring remote work productivity

• Schedule regular virtual team check-ins
• Document processes and decisions for easy access
• Maintain consistent availability during core business hours
• Create virtual spaces for casual team interaction

Hybrid Work
Some employees want to work from home while others miss the office buzz. A solution? “Core Hours” when everyone needs to be available (either in person or online), with flexibility outside those hours. The best part? Your team can choose which days they come to the office, making it easier to balance work with life’s demands, leading to higher productivity and less turnover.

Core Hours Approach:

• Designate specific hours when all team members must be available
• Allow flexibility outside of core hours
• Create clear schedules for in-office days
• Balance team coordination with individual flexibility

Space Management:

• Design office space for collaboration rather than individual work
• Create hoteling or hot-desk systems for shared workspaces
• Maintain dedicated areas for team meetings and quiet work
• Ensure equal access to resources for all team members

Flexible Time Blocks
Another approach that works great for many small businesses is letting employees break up their workday in ways that suit their lives. For example, a team member could start early to help their kids get ready for school, take a break for afternoon pickup, and finish work in the evening. This flexibility can boost both productivity and loyalty to your business.

Clear Communication:

• Written policies and procedures
• Regular updates and feedback channels
• Transparent decision-making processes
• Consistent application of policies

Technology Infrastructure:

• Cloud-based collaboration tools
• Secure remote access systems
• Mobile-friendly platforms
• Reliable technical support

Results-Based Management
Instead of watching the clock or tracking “butts in seats,” focus on what actually matters: results, shifting from hours worked to outcomes achieve. Set clear deliverables and deadlines, then let your team manage their own schedules and workspaces. Employees often report feeling more trusted and engaged, and client satisfaction often increases.

Setting Clear Expectations:

• Define specific deliverables and deadlines
• Establish regular check-in points
• Create measurable performance indicators
• Maintain transparency in project tracking

Supporting Time Management:

• Help teams establish productive work routines
• Provide tools for time tracking and project management
• Encourage breaks and work-life boundaries
• Offer guidance on managing competing priorities

Looking Ahead

Remember, implementing flexible work arrangements isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It requires ongoing adjustment and fine-tuning based on your team’s needs and business requirements. The key is to start somewhere and remain open to evolution.

Other articles in our series: 

• Cost-Effective Benefits Flexible Work Arrangements
• Creative Benefits That Show You Care

Need help implementing these strategies in your business? Our team specializes in helping small businesses create flexible work arrangements that work for everyone. Let’s talk about your specific needs.