Research outlines cost-cutting opportunities

The average Dutchman has a busy professional and personal life. But a day still has “only” 24 hours. How can we make the most of that time? Flexible working is the key to this treasure-chest. A well-lined one, for research shows that we can generate billions in the Netherlands, by working more freely. 

One day employees are twiddling their thumbs until 5 p.m. since they “are not allowed to leave yet". The next, they have to slave away at some “urgent matter” until 8 p.m. Sounds familiar? It’s solvable by introducing flexible working. Working flexibly means one can work anyplace, at any time, at any location, wherever it’s effective, productive and desirable. In this way, employees can add value to their organizations, irrespective of their geographic location or the hour of the day.

Economy and job satisfaction
Flexible working has become a hot item these past few years, thoroughly researched and extensively written about. Most researches, however, focus on one element of its impact, like CO2 reduction. EY’s research, commissioned by VodafoneZiggo, looked at the overall picture. Naturally, the economic effects of free working received a lot of attention, including the costs and the efficiency of employees and companies. But also social aspects like job satisfaction and environmental aspects like fewer traffic jams were taken into consideration. The results will be used by VodafoneZiggo to inspire the corporate world to approach their way of working more efficiently. 

Benefiting from productivity
The main conclusion from the research is that 5 billion euros can be gained due to this way of working. It turns out that of all the people involved, employees benefit most. They especially value the flexibility they experience from free working. Employers primarily benefit with regard to economic effects. Like increased productivity. In addition it turns out that companies mainly choose flexible working because of the socially-economic consequences. They outweigh the environmental impact. Finally, the researchers conclude that not all professions and activities are suitable for the concept of ‘smart working’ as it is called in the research. 

Five types of employees
The report combines the results of different researches by reputable consultancies at home and abroad, into the positive and negative effects of smarter working. Based on the insights, five archetypes of employees have been defined. Depending on the type of work, smart working can or cannot have a positive effect. For example, routine-based tasks are best carried out in the office, contrary to tasks that require more creativity.

Calculation model
Based on the results, VodafoneZiggo developed a calculation model that shows the level of savings a company can achieve. Various types of companies and employees can use this tool.