How The Non-traditional Work Week Enables Your Company to Succeed.

The non-traditional work week has been a goal of employees for nearly half a century. Whether it’s based on personal obligations or when they might be their best self, the flexibility and autonomy of the non-traditional work week is widely agreed upon as the ideal structure. Thanks to advances in technology over the last generation it is finally a reality. Over the last five years specifically, we’ve been able to truly work remotely, without output or productivity being compromised. They both have actually increased. The non-traditional work week is here and it’s helping employers inspire their workforce.

“Work hard, play by the rules and you’ll be successful.” For generations, this was the belief. This isn’t the case anymore. Employers desire candidates who are self-sufficient, great communicators, innovative and passionate. Nothing about these traits says, “Do what you’re told and your organization will be successful.” Instead it says, “Push boundaries, break barriers and spark innovation.”

In large part, this shift in what work looks like stems from the change in peoples’ perspectives. Employees today “measure productivity by work completed, not by time spent on a task — especially not time spent in the office.” We’re always connected and our teams are just a click or call away at any given time. We have all become accustomed to producing more work in less traditionally structured time.

Employers pay you based on the amount of work they expect you to get done. For full-time employees, this has always been based on a 40-hour work week. Due to the evolving concept of the work week, what does this mean for keeping your employees happy and productive?

It is important to create an environment that inspires employees to want to achieve more. In the end, productivity is what makes or breaks a successful business. The workforce has begun to become accustomed to the digital way of working. It’s become the norm. As employees, when we are inspired, we take greater responsibility for our roles and do whatever it takes to complete our tasks across geographies and time zones. As an employer, isn’t that your best case scenario?

If the non-traditional work week continues becoming mainstream and employers strive towards providing workers with the autonomy and trust that is associated with it, something incredible will also happen to your employees. There will be a shift in their desire to do more to help your organization thrive. More simply, it will inspire them.

When your employees feel the autonomy that is given with the trust of a non-traditional work week, their more inclined to take risks and invest in your organization on a personal level. Employees who feel that they are trusted and enabled to optimize their best talents think in bigger, more strategic terms. Your business goals have become their goals and everyone is working towards the same cause.

Companies crave ambitious employees who go above and beyond their calls of duty. Those employees are the ones that will grow your company and stretch your dollar further. By freeing teams to think (and work) outside traditional boxes you will see more innovative output across the board. You will transform them into the employees who will ultimately transform your business.

So, why are we still bound by the 5-day work week? To get the most out of your team give them the autonomy to work on a schedule that complements their lives. By doing this, your team will be inspired to help you achieve your organization’s goals, and give you more than just 40 hours behind a desk.

Let’s finally kick the 5-day work week to the curb.