The concept of flexible working was introduced to the UK as far back as 2003. But the coronavirus pandemic has rapidly increased the change over to flexible working in a way that the last 17 years have not managed. Since March, both employers and workers have had to adapt to a new working landscape, and that is the rise of flexible working. 

As the entire country has been urged to work remotely, adapt to flexible shift patterns, and think of new ways of working, many people have adjusted and may not be keen to relinquish their new-found freedom. 

Conversations around flexible working have generally been centred around office workers. It is not just office workers who can have the luxury of choosing a flexible working career. It is now possible for those working in hospitality, retail, and other industries to take advantage of this new normal. 

Here are some of the benefits that you can look forward to if you are thinking about changing your career to become a flexible worker. 

You can choose when you work and where you work.

Being a flexible worker means that you can choose when and where you want to work. Whether you need to arrange your work around childcare or study or want to improve your work-life balance, flexible working can allow you to organise your work schedule in convenient locations. 

You can take your career into your own hands.

Working flexibly allows you to advance your career in a whole new way. You can see all the different sides of your industry and gain exposure to new employers, different workplaces, and diverse colleagues. Being an adaptable and skilled worker will be hugely beneficial, going forward in our new normal. Being able to gain exposure in this way will allow you to learn new skills and new ways of working that will make you a more attractive prospect for future employers. 

You have the chance to make new connections and build a more substantial career than before.

You’ll have the opportunity to work with new people daily, opening up a world of new opportunities for you. Whether it’s learning new skills and new ways of working from colleagues or employers or learning how to manage different teams of people, you will be meeting new people in your industry all the time, giving you a more extensive, well-rounded group of connections in your chosen industry. 

You have the opportunity to learn new skills. 

Having a learning mindset and being able to reskill rapidly will be crucial in our new normal. Flexible working offers you the opportunity to learn new skills and work in different areas of your chosen industry. 

If you’ve decided that flexible working is for you, we would love to hear from you. Speak to a member of our team today or register to become part of our bank of flexible staff and see where you can take your career.