How Can I be More Flexible at Work?


Flexibility in the workplace is important for a handful of reasons. Many employees are looking for an employer that offers flexibility. On the other side of things, employers desire an employee that can also be flexible. If you are looking to be more flexible at work, there are a few things that you can do to make that happen. 

How can I be more flexible at work? Have a plan and a backup plan, be a team player, accept spontaneity, keep an open mind, and adjust goals as needed. These five steps are the best to follow if flexibility is the aim. 

While learning to be flexible can take some adjustment time, knowing why flexibility should be a part of your work life will inspire you to adjust quickly. Once that understanding is grasped, progress in flexibility will be earned. That progress starts with the 5 steps mentioned above. 

5 Ways to be more Flexible

Becoming more flexible in the workplace is dependent on your willingness to make a change. For many personalities, flexibility is incredibly uncomfortable. However, most employers are seeking employees that have the ability to be flexible. In order to be one of those employees, the following 5 actions should be taken. 

1. Backup Plans

The Boy Scouts of America have a motto: “Be prepared.” While that motto works perfectly for boy scouts, it also can be incorporated into the lives of those seeking more flexibility in their work lives. Be prepared for any unexpected changes in the workday or at home. 

Think about what holds you back from working late every once in a while or taking projects outside of your comfort zone. Maybe your babysitter can only stay with your kids until a certain time or you just don’t have the time to learn about the one aspect of the project you have less experience in. 

Having a backup plan can help to solve problems such as these so that being more flexible is an option. You might have Grandma or Grandpa on standby relieve the babysitter for a few hours. For the different project, you might create a network of contacts that are familiar with what you’re not to reach out to in a time of need. The backup plan can allow you to do more than previously allowed. 

2. Team Player

Recognizing that you’re one part of a whole team is the beginning of being a team player. Being one of many requires us to do our part as much as it means leaning on others. A team works well together is one that is flexible. 

There are times that we must depend on our coworkers to reach the desired objective. For many employees, this is a challenge. For others, it is too easy. There is a middle ground necessary for flexible employees. You must learn to delegate in some instances and take on additional work at other times. 

If you expect to pass off one of your tasks to a coworker, they are far more likely to take it if you have taken some of their work before. Relying on your team and being reliable yourself is a requirement for flexibility.  

3. Be Spontaneous!

Last minute changes in plans are dreadful for many personalities. Spontaneity, however, is hugely important to workplace flexibility. By learning to accept spontaneous schedule changes, employees will find that being flexible is not as difficult as it may seem. 

Spontaneity is easier to accept when you aren’t behind on the things you would otherwise have to catch up on. This mostly means don’t procrastinate! Although procrastinating is a favorite pastime for a variety of people, getting the required tasks accomplished ahead of time leaves more time to do spontaneous things. 

Also, leave gaps in your scheduling to allow for unplanned activities. In a way, this is scheduling spontaneity, but helpful nonetheless. By doing this, you will be more likely to accept a schedule change without issue. You could also accomplish more work (or team bonding) than planned during that window. 

4. Have an Open Mind

Exercising an open mind allows for the acceptance of a variety of thoughts and ideas. Rather than shutting down an idea as soon as it is heard, an open mind will encourage flexibility by allowing proper analysis to occur. That analysis might lead you to an option you would not have considered otherwise. 

Developing an open mind starts with listening to and considering the thoughts of others. Knowing why someone thinks in a certain way or what led them to that thought might introduce your brain to something new. While you still might not agree, the ability to use logic in consideration goes a long way. 

Another way to create a more open mind is to surround yourself with people of different opinions. While it can be easy to only socialize with those that have the same views, it can also be incredibly boring. It also does nothing to expand your own vision. Speaking with people of different backgrounds, experiences, and opinions is key to having an open mind. 

5. Make Goals Adjustable

Setting goals is an important aspect of success. However, while we must set goals, it is equally important to be able to adjust goals as needed. This doesn’t mean to make your goal easier when you want to take it easy at work. It simply means that circumstances change and it is best to adapt.

Sometimes goals have a way of inadvertently stopping people from pursuing other avenues of success. Knowing when to make a change to your goals is key to becoming flexible, but still holding true to what you want to accomplish. For example, if you are aiming for a specific job title, but a different opportunity presents itself that is better than your current situation, it is okay to alter your goals to include that step. 

Being flexible in the workplace requires the ability to see the big picture. Although you want to reach that one goal, seeing how something else can help you get there is crucial. Using the previous example, it may be that the differing position will look good on a resume when the job you really want opens up. Adjust your goals to make the path a bit more flexible.

Importance of Flexibility (5 Tips)

There are so many benefits to being a flexible employee and hiring flexible workers. From productivity levels to happiness, and opportunity to reliability, flexible workers and workplaces are crucial to companies and employees everywhere. Achieving good results in these areas can be done by using the 5 tips to a more flexible employee as described in the previous paragraphs. 

1. Productivity Levels

Both employing flexible workers and being flexible for workers makes a huge impact on the overall productivity of the workplace. Flexible workers often work more hours and work well with their team. They are prepared for unexpected changes and are able to go with the flow more easily. 

A flexible workplace is often one that offers a flexible schedule or the ability to work from home. These aspects of flexibility have proven to increase productivity because of a variety of reasons, one of which is allowing the employee to work during his or her most productive hours. 

By making flexibility a priority, employers are sure to see a boost in productivity levels. Better productivity results in better company profits and better moods in employees. In this situation, flexibility is a win-win. When both the employer and employee come out on top, it can be hard to see why flexibility is not more important. 

2. Happiness

The moods of employees have a large impact on a number of factors within a business. Happy employees are productive employees and productive employees are happy employees. Allowing these aspects to feed off of one another is great for both business and employees. 

Employees are generally happier with their jobs when employees give more leeway and trust. Taking away find of the pressure that workers feel, like a deadline, can decrease stress and allow for improved work. When the employees take their time in doing their best and not simply meeting a deadline, quality is sure to shine through. 

Employers are happier with their employees when they work as a team and have the ability to work as needed. While it is not legal to hire based on demographic qualities, the ability to focus fully on work (and not on finding a backup babysitter) late nights at the office makes flexibility attractive to businesses. 

3. Opportunity

Flexibility will lead you to far more opportunities in your work life. If you’re able to travel, move out of state, or take on additional responsibility without blinking an eye, jobs available to you in your skillset will be plenty. In fact, by treating your flexibility as a skill, you can make it clear that you’re willing to do what it takes to find success. 

Opportunities for success come in big and small packages. By being flexible with your schedule, ideas, and goals, you are far more likely to receive your fair share of opportunity. It is important to remember not to squander opportunities that arise as a result of flexibility. Other employees, or your competition, can develop their own flexible reputation as well. 

Since many employers are seeking those that are flexible, it is a good idea to incorporate flexibility into your skill set so that hiring managers see what you can add to the company. The various opportunities that can come from being flexible might surprise you.

4. Reliability

Although modern culture might tell you that being the reliable one is boring, in the workplace it is ideal. Employers want the employee that shows up when expected and sticks around when staying late is preferred. Being a reliable employee means going the extra mile, which often requires flexibility. 

How can you come to be the reliable one if you’re never able to work late, don’t help others with their workload, or fail to see the big picture? Being reliable in the workplace means that each of these things must be done. Without flexibility, your reliability at work is sure to decline. 

A reliable employee is a highly sought after employee. By hitting each of the five above suggested ways to become flexible, you will find that you are also more reliable and dependable. Those qualities are definitely some that can stand out on a resume. 

5. Flexible Employees and the Workplace

Becoming more flexible is sure to have employers more interested in hiring you, current workplaces notice your hard work, and make accomplishing tasks easier. To recap, five paths to flexibility include a variety of methods. 

To become your most flexible, start with having good backup plans. Life happens and it is good to be ready for those unexpected changes. Second, learn to work well with your coworkers. Give and take is a big part of flexibility. Third, make spontaneity a priority. It should be made a point to do something that was unplanned. Fourth, open your mind to possibilities that you haven’t considered. Finally, make goals that can be altered or added to. An additional step on the path will just add to the journey.

Achieving these things will ensure that you are a flexible employee. Being flexible means that you will also be more productive in your job, as you can work during your productive times. You may also find that you are happier when you work for a flexible company and with coworkers that are also flexible. Opportunities will abound when you have few restrictions. You will also be known as a highly reliable employee, which will only add to the potential opportunities. 

The possibilities for advancement are many when flexibility is made a priority. Life is better for the employees and employer for all of the above-listed reasons and then some. By placing focus on your flexibility and its improvement, you can become a more desired employee. 

Related Questions

Do flexible employers expect flexible employees? For the most part, all employers desire flexible employees. While specific careers or jobs can vary in the need for flexibility, an employer considering two candidates with the same resume would likely choose the person with more availability and flexibility. 

What are some ways to improve teamwork in the workplace? Team bonding activities are a great way to allow coworkers to interact and get to know one another. Another is to encourage multiple avenues of communication, such as email, telephone, and in person. 

In addition to flexibility, what can be done to boost productivity? The list of potential ways to boost productivity is nearly endless but includes to-do lists, schedules, teamwork, and even drinking plenty of water. 

Steve Todd

Steve Todd, founder of Open Sourced Workplace and is a recognized thought leader in workplace strategy and the future of work. With a passion for work from anywhere, Steve has successfully implemented transformative strategies that enhance productivity and employee satisfaction. Through Open Sourced Workplace, he fosters collaboration among HR, facilities management, technology, and real estate professionals, providing valuable insights and resources. As a speaker and contributor to various publications, Steve remains dedicated to staying at the forefront of workplace innovation, helping organizations thrive in today's dynamic work environment.

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