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One flexible schedule means much more than a simple layout: it embodies a new way of thinking about working time. Recent years have seen the increasing adoption of innovative concepts such as flexible hours, also called flexitime.
Long reserved for a few avant-garde companies, these models of flexible working hours are unavoidable today. In a context where work-life balance has become a priority, flexible hours offer increased freedom to employees while increasing their productivity.
What is a flexible schedule?
One flexible schedule or flexitime Is a mode of work organization allowing employees to adapt their schedule to a certain extent. The aim is to gain autonomy while respecting the Number of hours per week contractually defined, often based on 35 hours per week.
This may include:
- The possibility to choose your arrival or departure time
- Of fixed and variable time slots
- The teleworking
- Condensed weeks like the 4-day week
- Schedules annualized
- The possibility of working part time
This type of operation is based on the trust, the autonomy and the accountability of employees. It is often part of a hybrid work strategy, sometimes formalized in a telework charter or a work flexibility charter.
Types of flexible hours
Here are some concrete forms of organization of flexible working time :
- The staggered schedules
Fixed periods (e.g. 10h-12h, 14h-17h) are imposed for collaboration, with personalized arrival/departure times.
- The 4-day week
Employees work their full time (e.g. 35 hours) over 4 days instead of 5, offering them an additional free day.
- The annualization of working time
Working time is distributed over the year according to peaks and troughs in activity (very common in tourism or supermarkets).
- Teleworking
Remote work in whole or in part, combined with variable hours or at part time, as defined in a Telework charter.
- Flexible part-time
Employees can choose to working part time (60%, 70%, etc.) with schedules that can be adjusted every week. This Work period adjustable promotes a better balance between professional life and privacy.
The benefits of flexible hours
- Better quality of life and mental health: flexible hours reduce stress, allow avoid rush hour and offer a better life balance.
- Rise in productivity: by adapting to chronotypes For everyone (morning vs evening), we promote concentration and performance. According to HSBC, 61% of businesses who have implemented flexible hours have observed an increase in productivity.
- Reduction in absenteeism: employees can better manage unexpected events (medical appointments, children, etc.), which limits unexpected absences.
- Business attractiveness: Suggest a flexible work organization Strengthen the employer brand and makes it possible to retain talent in the era of the Great Resignation.
The system makes it possible to adapt the workday to individual preferences: some employees prefer to focus their activity on an intensive format of 10 hours per day, others choose a more balanced distribution.
One full-time employee can therefore organize its schedules differently while respecting its contractual commitments. This promotes better management of Work period according to professional and personal needs.
Les working conditions are improved, with a greater sense of control and accountability. In addition, by allowing employees to choose their hours within a certain range, the company recognizes the diversity of life rhythms and constraints of each person.
Numerous studies show that flexible hours can also have a positive impact on team engagement and motivation. By offering them the opportunity to adjust their schedule, we promote a climate of trust and a more open corporate culture. This freedom is particularly appreciated by the new generations, who often prefer flexibility over the rigidity of traditional time frames.
In addition, the 'flexible hours also contribute to a better distribution of the workload. They allow employees to better plan their tasks, avoid stress peaks and limit interruptions. This makes the organization more fluid, especially in environments where asynchronous collaboration is becoming the norm.
Finally, businesses can benefit from a competitive advantage in the labour market. By offering modern working conditions and adapted to current needs, they more easily attract talent and strengthen their image as a responsible employer. Offer options such as part-time work, the adaptation of hours per day, or even the personalization of working days has become a fundamental choice criterion for many candidates.
The challenges to be anticipated
1. Communication and collaboration
Different schedules may interfere with synchronization. You need collaborative tools (Slack, Teams...) and a good reporting culture.
2. Scheduling management
The Management of flexible hours requires adapted tools: software for planning management, of Flex Office, or Monitoring of working time.
3. Equity between employees
Not all positions are compatible with the same level of flexibility. It is therefore crucial to define clear rules, integrated into a Telework charter Or a Work flexibility charter.
Why integrate flexible hours into your business?
The organization of working time has become a strategic lever for any company that wants to:
- Adapting to new ways of working
- Meeting the expectations of new generations
- Optimizing engagement and loyalty
By adopting flexible working hours, you invest in the satisfaction of your employees and in the resilience of your organization.
Flexible hours FAQ
Which companies offer flexible hours? Mainly tech, consulting, finance or modernized public sector companies.
Can a flexible schedule be imposed on an employee? No, the establishment of a flexible schedule requires the agreement of the employee or a negotiated collective framework.
What is the difference between flexible hours and remote working? Teleworking concerns The place, the flexible schedule concerns The moment where the work is done.
Is there legislation on flexible hours? Yes, the Labor Code provides a framework for flexibility within the limits of compliance with legal working hours, rest periods and collective agreements.
Do you want to go further in managing flexible hours? Discover our solution to simply plan the weeks of your teams, by integrating remote work, attendance and HR constraints.
