Don't let flex work lead to confusion about your team's availability

Flex work shouldn’t mean you don’t know when to expect your team to be available. In fact, having clear expectations about when your team is reachable can significantly increase engagement.

When it comes to remote work, is it better to be laid-back about availability or to establish clear expectations? While it may be tempting to assume everyone is available all the time, especially with staff working from home, this can make it difficult for employees, particularly new ones, to manage their time effectively.

According to the O.C. Tanner Institute's 2022 Global Culture Report, setting clear expectations for work hours and availability can yield significant benefits such as a: ·

• 96% increase in employee engagement

• 121% jump in leadership scores

• 52% improvement in employee wellbeing

Maintaining flexibility is still possible, but it's essential to agree on and stick to a schedule. Leaders can also offer resources to help employees create a dedicated workspace and encourage regular breaks, which can be easy to forget when working from home.

Finally, it's crucial to disconnect from work-related communication outside of working hours. Working 24/7 isn't enjoyable for anyone, so setting boundaries is critical.

What strategies do you use to establish clear boundaries for your team?