Developments in IT and communication technologies have made the working world faster, more efficient and flexible. But one company has taken the concept of flexible working beyond the norm, claiming that allowing employees’ children into the office when childcare is an issue can be beneficial to an organisation.
IT and communication company SA1 Solutions, implements flexible working practices to positively impact its staff members and the business overall. This is particularly useful for employees with children, who often find it difficult to juggle work and childcare.
The company has created a 'chill-out' room at its Swansea headquarters for employees who need to bring their children (of a suitable age) into the office when childcare arrangements have failed. Adjacent to staff offices, parents can keep a close eye on their children, who can keep themselves busy with games console, homework area, as well as enjoy other games and healthy snacks.
Simon Ahearne, managing director of SA1 Solutions, commented:
“Flexible working is something more companies should embrace. I’m a father myself so understand how difficult it can be managing work around children.
“Having a safe and welcoming environment on site for children of staff to enjoy is important to me. It eliminates the situation where an employee has to dash out of the office to pick up their child. Employees are happier in themselves when they know their child is nearby and so they are not worrying about them. It keeps them focused on their work, which benefits the functioning of the business.”
Increased employee morale, job satisfaction, better engagement and a greater commitment to an organisation can all result from flexible working practices. In addition to allowing employees’ children in the office, SA1 Solutions also allows its staff to work remotely when needed, enhancing its commitment to flexible working for staff. Utilising its own services through cloud solutions, cloud computing provides employees with fast, reliable and direct connections to a remote server.
Ahearne added:
“We have had fewer absences since implementing the chill-out room and making it easier for people to work remotely when needed. Sometimes there is no other choice but to look after a child at home, but now employees can carry on with work as usual but from their home.
“Staff don’t take advantage of these flexible working options. They are more of a safety blanket when staff have no other option. Our staff retention is the highest it’s ever been and we are retaining top talent through our flexible working approach. ”
SA1 Solutions is a leading managed service provider based in South Wales, offering services to over hundreds of customers across the UK.
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