Flexible working hours encompass all working time models that deviate from the traditional 9-to-5 arrangement. In addition to traditional remote work from home, flexitime models offer innovative solutions to meet the needs of companies and employees.
The Annual working hours, for instance, allow for a strategic distribution of working hours throughout the year. This model balances periods of high and low workload. A working time account, on the other hand, offers more detailed control over one’s own time, allowing employees to accrue overtime that can later be taken as time off. With compressed workweeks, the regular weekly working hours are concentrated into fewer days, enabling longer weekends and more recovery time. In job sharing, two or more employees share a full-time position, along with its tasks and responsibilities. These different types of flexible working models clearly demonstrate that flexibility goes far beyond simple mobile working.
Introducing flexible working hours is an effective tool for promoting inclusion and diversity within companies. By allowing employees to freely choose their working hours or place of work, employers can better respond to different needs. These include the requirements of people with disabilities, parents with young children, caregivers or people with special personal or cultural circumstances. Professionals who would otherwise be disadvantaged by inflexible working time arrangements are able to participate more fully in working life.
At innovaphone, we understand that a modern corporate culture requires flexibility, especially when promoting innovation and attracting professional talent.
Verena, Marketing Manager in Part-Time:
"I have moved a few times in recent years. I already worked full-time on site at our innovaphone headquarters, as well as part-time from other parts of Germany.
At my marketing position, I can work fully remotely from home and am always up to date, thanks to our myApps platform and video conferencing. The flexibility is a big plus: It helps to stay organized and on top of things, for example if a child is sick or if a doctor’s appointment needs to be scheduled.“
Pamela, Head of Inside Sales:
"Commuting to work is something I am very familiar with. The district I live in is different from the innovaphone headquarters where I work at. Our myApps platform and our tools are beneficial in many ways. They help me to organize my daily work efficiently! I can work remotely from home and carry out my duties as usual, thanks to our myApps video and conferencing solution. I always remain connected to my colleagues in my department even when working remotely.
On the days I commute to the office, I enjoy using our social intranet platform Connect on my way to work. The train journey turns into the "train office". I can effectively use my commute. Even before I arrive at the office, I have already had transparent discussions with my colleagues. The Working App is perfect to record my working times, and to keep an eye on all my working hours in total. It all adds up to a comprehensive package that transforms the way we work!“
Claudio, Technical Services:
"Our innovaphone myApps platform lets you work conveniently from any location. We log into myApps and have all business tools at hand, and communicate with our colleagues. I worked in Germany for six years, and have been working remotely from my home in my home country Portugal. innovaphone makes it happen: I can always work productively and remain well-connected with my colleagues, even when we are 2,800 km apart!"
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1. Clearly define flexibly policies: Which flexible working time models are permitted, eligibility criteria, expectations, measurable goals & guidelines. 2. Invest in technologies for agile working: Equip the employees with effective communication, collaboration and project management tools. 3. Foster mutual trust and responsibility: Flexible team management is based on mutual trust between managers and employees. 4. Ensure equality and equal opportunities: All employees have access to flexible working time models according to their own needs and role. 5. Create (virtual) space to connect with others: Foster social interaction and team building to avoid isolation. 6. Organize your own time effectively: Establish a routine, define working hours and break times, and stick to these to ensure productivity. 7. Make best use of collaboration tools: Collaborate with your team, stay in touch regularly and share thoughts and ideas. 8. Set up boundaries between work and private life: Define times when you are offline and make sure to communicate your own availability via your presence status. You cannot be available 24/7. 9. Be reliable and responsible: Fulfil your commitments and meet your deadlines to demonstrate that flexibility does not compromise your performance. 10. Participate in team-building activities: Maintain social contact and team spirit. |
For innovaphone, flexible working times are more than just a "nice to have". It is an integral component of our corporate philosophy. Flexible working times offer numerous advantages for both employees and employers. However, it is important to consider the potential challenges and take appropriate measures to overcome such challenges. Open communication and a culture of mutual trust are crucial to the success of flexible working time models.
Flexible working hours will play an even greater role in the future. Technological progress and changes in the world of work are making it possible to design more flexible working time models.
The future of work is flexible - and innovaphone is committed to pursuing this path.
Technology is a key factor in simplifying flexible working models. Numerous remote work tools help with time management and communication in project teams spread across different locations. Digital time tracking software helps employees with the recording of their hours. These tools further provide options to submit holiday and leave requests transparently. Managers can keep track of activities and ensure fairness for all. Platforms for remote collaboration – equipped with chat messaging, video and file sharing functions – ensure smooth communication and effective teamwork.
For employees:
For employers:
