As working patterns continue to evolve, Charlie Elsworth, Talent Acquisition Business Partner at Stowe, explains more about Stowe’s approach and what that means for our team:
“To work through lunch to attend an appointment at 4.30pm”
“A prescriptive policy designed for minimum employer flexibility and maximum employee ridden guilt”
“Defending your working from home day because you’re snowed under with admin”
If you can relate to the above statements, then you’re probably fed up with hearing about other people’s flexible working (or hybrid working, or dynamic working for that matter).
The Stowe approach
Here at Stowe, we’ve begun trialing a dynamic working approach. This means being treated as a grown up and having autonomy to work flexibly. I’m not measured by the time at my desk, but by the results I achieve.
This approach means:
- Parents can fit in the school run (or their little one’s school play)
- Carers can visit dependent parents regularly
- Dog owners can walk in daylight
- Keep-fit enthusiasts can squeeze a trip to the gym in over lunch
- Those who struggle (mentally or physically) with rush hour traffic can plan their day to avoid it.
Prior to Stowe, I felt guilty moving my lunch break for a gym class or a starting late to make the most of a sunny morning. I felt that flexibility was only aimed at parents who had a ‘real reason’ to adapt their hours. That’s no longer the case. I don’t need to justify the ‘why’ as our culture is built on trust and mutual respect.
In turn, I’ve learnt when I’m most productive, when’s best to pop the kettle on to have a breather, and when I do my best work in meetings – I’ve never felt more fulfilled, and my productivity levels are at an all-time high.
So how do I work flexibly?
I like to log on to my laptop at 7.30am when I feel motivated and buzzed for the day ahead. I can work from local coffee shops or meet up with friends for a walk in the day who I wouldn’t usually see due to their different working patterns. I’m able to work from one of our many Stowe offices around the UK to work alongside different colleagues.
I recently got a puppy because I know working from home is the new norm for me now, and I have even trained for a marathon, fitting my runs in around the weather forecast. No two days/weeks/months look the same and I love that about my job.
A better way of working
I now look back at my time before Stowe and wonder; was I content with my work/life balance or did I accept it purely because it was ‘the norm’? Was my employer truly getting the best out of me?
Stowe have begun to trial dynamic working since the pandemic caused the greatest collective disruption in all our working lives. By developing a better way of working we can support the productivity, well-being, and work/life balance of our colleagues. You only need to speak to a member of our team to hear how valued it is.
If you’re intrigued about our dynamic working policy and you’d like to find out more, please reach out to me – [email protected]
