EXCLUSIVE: Audio electronics firm Plantronics has increased its employee engagement levels by more than 20% since it launched a flexible working initiative in 2011.
The flexible working initiative, which is open to all 300 employees, allows them to amend their hours to better fit work around their personal lives, such as family commitments and hobbies.
Staff are given quarterly goals, which they are expected to complete in whatever working pattern suits them.
The initiative was introduced at the same time as an office move, which included a mixture of fixed and hot desks, and a colourful and open space.
Norma Pearce, HR director for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) at Plantronics, said: “We are trying to create a feeling of freedom for our employees.
“From an HR perspective, I took the opportunity to go further than that. If we’re giving them the space, why don’t we give them a choice of where they want to work? We have told our employees they can work anywhere at anytime. We have knocked down the walls of the 9 to 5 attitude.
“Flexible working is always classified under employee relations, but it should be under benefits. Our employees actually benefit from this freedom that they are given, that they can actually manage their own time.”
As a result, Plantronics has seen a rise in employee satisfaction levels from 63% to 80%, and increased staff productivity.
Plantronics also offers staff benefits such as a bikes-for-work scheme, employer-paid gym membership, childcare vouchers and an employee assistance programme (EAP).
The flexible working initiative has been recognised by the British Institute of Facilities Management with an impact on organisation and workforce award.