08/11/2021

How to Practice Flexibility in Today's Workplace

An organizational psychologist offers her insights

In an era when employees have more leeway than they might have had in the past—and as public health recommendations continue to fluctuate—leaders may be wondering: How much is too much?

Nicole Lipkin, an organizational psychologist and founder of Equilibria Leadership Consulting, has written about the unintended consequences that can emerge when employees are given too much flexibility in their daily routines. Some of those consequences haven’t changed, such as muddy expectations and unclear communication. That doesn’t mean the rules from before still apply. “[The pandemic has] definitely forced companies and leaders to look at how we treat people—what are people’s needs?” she said. “I also think it’s been a real eye-opener.”

But the pandemic won’t last forever. So should flexibility be reined in eventually? Ultimately, the issue might not be about flexibility at all. Instead, it could be a matter of setting proper expectations and having a strong understanding of your team.

Please select this link to read the complete article from Associations Now.