Flexibility is not availability. Being flexible at work usually means being available all the time. This may not be the right meaning.
Does it really mean being available when needed? When you say you are highly flexible, does that equate to being able to attend to other people’s concerns all the time? When is enough?
When you are interviewed for a job, one of the usual questions is about being highly flexible. You immediately say yes thinking that it could not be bad and that you can still negotiate your time. Well, most of the time, you are wrong.
Flexibility in the workplace is often presented as a desirable trait, and it’s understandable why many would readily agree to be highly flexible during a job interview. The initial allure of appearing accommodating and adaptable can overshadow the potential implications and demands of such an agreement. While the intention may be to retain a sense of control over one’s time, the reality can often be quite different.
Agreeing to high flexibility without fully understanding the scope and expectations can lead to challenges in maintaining a healthy work-life balance. It’s crucial to engage in open communication with employers regarding the specifics of flexibility and to negotiate terms that align with personal needs and boundaries. True flexibility should involve a reciprocal understanding and respect for both the employee and the employer, promoting a harmonious and sustainable work environment.
It’s important for individuals to approach the concept of flexibility with a discerning mindset, recognizing the potential impact on their daily lives and well-being. Open dialogue and clear parameters can help transform the concept of flexibility from a potential source of stress into a mutually beneficial arrangement.
When asked about flexibility, it only means that you are expected to be working when you are asked to work. For rank and file, it could only mean changing shifts, especially in a BPO setting. For managerial positions, it is totally different. The expectations are higher. You will be receiving messages on your personal numbers and the expectation is for you to respond, may it be just for a simple question or something bigger that you need to attend to, even if it is not your regular working hours yet.
The concept of flexibility in the workplace extends beyond simply being available to work when asked. When discussing flexibility, especially within the framework of a BPO setting, it often pertains to the ability to adjust shifts for individuals in rank-and-file positions. This can involve accommodating changes in work schedules to meet the operational demands of the business.
In contrast, for employees in managerial positions, the expectations around flexibility take on a different dimension. It often involves being reachable on personal contact numbers, and the expectation to respond promptly, whether it’s a simple query or a more substantial matter that requires attention, even outside of regular working hours. The level of responsibility and accountability in such roles can lead to a more encompassing scope of flexibility, where the demands of the position may transcend typical working hours.
Whether it’s adapting to shifting schedules or being available for critical communication and decision-making outside of regular working hours, the concept of flexibility in the modern workplace encompasses a diverse set of expectations across different levels of the organizational hierarchy.
The pandemic has brought work from the office setting to our homes. And while this is beneficial for a lot of people as time and effort from commuting has been reduced, the concept of flexibility has taken a different turn. Since you are at home, maybe doing nothing, maybe you could do the work right there and then. Anyway, you already saved time from commuting, not to mention preparing to go to work, and you could use that time to get some work done.
Flexibility is not the same as availability. It is not the same as being available all the time. To me, it only means that you have the freedom to make necessary adjustments in your daily routines and schedules as how you see it fit in your personal life. Adjusting and moving things around to attend to your priorities should be the core principle when we think about flexibility.
The concept of flexibility holds significant value in our daily lives. It’s important to highlight that flexibility is not synonymous with constant availability. It does not imply being at someone’s beck and call consistently. Instead, it embodies the freedom to adapt and modify our daily routines and schedules in a manner that aligns with our personal lives. This freedom allows us to make necessary adjustments, ensuring that we can attend to our priorities and responsibilities effectively. Embracing flexibility entails being able to maneuver and allocate time and resources in a way that resonates with our individual needs and aspirations, thus fostering a healthier balance between our personal and professional endeavors.
If your priority is work, so be it. If your priority is your family, so be it. To each his own. But being available all the time to attend to other people’s concerns is not flexibility. Living your life so you can be ordered around and do what you are told to is not how I see life should be.
It’s important to establish boundaries and prioritize what truly matters to you. Sometimes, it’s necessary to take a step back and reassess how we spend our time and energy. We all have our unique priorities and responsibilities, and it’s essential to honor those while also maintaining a sense of autonomy and self-determination. Striking a balance between meeting the needs of others and preserving our own agency is crucial for a fulfilling life. Ultimately, finding harmony between our obligations and personal aspirations is key to leading a life aligned with our values and desires. Embracing this perspective can empower us to live authentically and with purpose, contributing to a sense of contentment and fulfillment.”
Be available to do what your priorities are. Be flexible enough to adjust to what the chaotic world is giving you. Being available is not being flexible. Be flexible to be available for the things that really matter to you.
