Managing People - British American Tobacco - Essay Example

Research indicates that many employees like this kind of working schedule because of the greater freedom that flexible working affords them (Schneider 2011, p.17). In addition, flexible working reduces stress levels, which increases the productivity of an employee.

Many companies big and small are also increasingly adopting flexible working schedules. This is because research has shown that flexible working increases workers' productivity and thus revenue. Therefore, since the main aim of a company is to increase the productivity of workers to generate high profits, none would want to be left behind. In this regard, Regus (2012, p.3) reveals that about 80% of small companies report working more flexibly than before. At the same time, Regus (2012, p.3) found out that 68% of large businesses today provide flexible working to their employees.

It was also found that about 72% of international businesses reported having realized increased productivity as a result of flexible working. However, in all cases, Ragus (2012, p.3) reveals that about 68% of businesses reported that flexible working has increased staff productivity. About 63% of companies surveyed indicated that flexible working increased their worker's energy and motivation levels pointing out that flexible working is the principal talent-retention technique. Research also indicates that about 51% of companies intend to employ more freelancers in the future (Ragus 2012, p.3). At the same time, about 80% of companies interviewed believe that there is a likelihood of an increase in the number of employees willing to work part-time, which points to increasing demand for an environment that allows for flexible working.

There are several companies in the U.K. that have embraced flexible working practices. BT (formerly British Telecommunications) is one such company in London that provides a flexible working environment. BT is one of the largest Information technology and telecommunication companies in the U.K. Since the U.K. government legislated a law to improve flexible working, BT has embraced the practice in totality. The flexible working of BT is based on several principles regarding service delivery, recruitment, and motivation. BT acknowledges the fact that many workers have the responsibility of taking care of others such as the elderly, children, the disabled, and the sick. The company also recognizes the fact that, with UK’s aging population, such demand is likely to increase, which will also increase competition for workers throughout the U.K. As a result, many candidates will likely be looking at what employers offering terms of flexible working in deciding on the company to work for (Eurofound 2009).

As a result, BT has introduced several flexible working practices, which include compressed time, job-sharing, accrual hours, annualized hours, flexitime, limited working, time out, teleworking, and freedom to work. BT reports having reaped a lot of benefits from such a working practice. In this regard, BT reports that flexibility has increased the motivation level of its employees, which has in turn increased their productivity. As a result, the company has been able to register increased profits than ever before (Eurofound 2009).

British American Tobacco (BAT) is also another big company in the U.K. that provides flexibility in work. In this regard, BAT allows for part-time and flexible working hours for its employees. Like, BT, Bat also provide leave for its workers to enable them to attend to other responsibilities. Like BT, BAT also reports having realized increased revenue since it introduced the practice. It attributes this to the fact that flexible working motivates workers to work harder thereby increasing their productivity (Centaur Communications Ltd 2006).

J Sainsbury one of the leading grocery companies in the U.K. also acknowledges the fact that employees today prefer flexible working schedules. As a result, the company, like BT and BAT also provides flexible working practices such as part-time, leave, flexible working hours, and variable working hours. J Sainsbury also reports having realized increased revenue and profits due to flexible working, which increased workers' productivity (J Sainsbury plc 2013).

Barriers or challenges that the company could face in addressing the topic under review.
Flexible working practices pose a lot of challenges to the company. Some of the challenges include increased administration costs, and the absence of employees when crucial decisions are to be made according to Pruchno Litchfield and Fried (2000, p.13). However, addressing these challenges may not be easy. This is because it is getting all employees at the workstation is not easy as every employee work at their convenience such as at home and remotely (Green, 2012, p.8). This makes meeting to make a resolution hard. The other challenge is that the company may not know some workers physically particularly those working remotely or at home. Lastly, the company may have to incur the cost of trying to inform all employees to gather for crucial decision-making.

Conclusion
Flexible working practice is becoming inevitable, particularly in the U.K. where there is an increasing aging population. Therefore, it is crucial for companies that have not embraced this practice to start doing so because many employees are increasingly looking for companies that offer flexible working environments.  Read More