There’s a new trend gaining traction that’s enhancing the productivity of workers both during and outside of work hours.
While terms like job-hugging and micro-retirement have been floating around, what employees are truly seeking is ultimate flexibility.
Since the pandemic, workplaces have become more accommodating, with hybrid work becoming a widespread practice. It’s proving to be quite popular among employees.
“Workplaces aren’t as rigid and structured as they once were,” explains Peter Duris, CEO and Founder of the AI-driven career platform Kickresume, noting that flexibility is ‘one of the most common and sought-after perks in a job.’
A study by The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development found that 80 percent of employees feel job flexibility has positively impacted their quality of life, and a third believe it has enhanced their career.
That’s beneficial for both sides, isn’t it? It’s no wonder people are pushing the boundaries even further.
So, how are individuals boosting their productivity? The answer is through microshifting.
This trend has found favor among Gen Z, parents, those with caregiving duties, and workers in retail, hospitality, and office environments.
Microshifting involves working in shorter, non-linear periods to increase efficiency. It might mean working for a few hours in the morning, taking an extended break for personal errands, and then returning to work later.
Peter suggests that microshifting helps employees juggle personal and professional obligations. Considering research shows we only do about two hours and 53 minutes of actual work daily, microshifting starts to seem quite logical.
Convincing your supervisor might be a hurdle, though…
People juggling multiple jobs might already be microshifting, but there’s growing interest in applying this method to full-time roles as well. Peter supports anyone capable of microshifting to attempt it.
Working outside of conventional office hours necessitates excellent communication and transparency. Peter stresses the importance of clarifying your availability for ‘effective communication.’
Using a shared group calendar for scheduling breaks can help prevent misunderstandings.
It’s also beneficial to prioritize tasks and tackle them during peak productivity periods.
For those with multiple jobs, maintaining a calendar is crucial to keep track of tasks and timings.
Peter also cautions that microshifting may present challenges, particularly regarding communication about working hours and expectations.
The approach can be a double-edged sword, as microshifting might ‘possibly lead to overworking since it lacks the structure of a typical 9-5 schedule,’ Peter notes.
Additionally, some job roles may have meetings at fixed times each day, restricting flexibility or requiring one to set aside other commitments for attendance.
Microshifting could also result in more frequent check-ins with supervisors and colleagues, potentially increasing the workload for everyone involved.
If the advantages outweigh the drawbacks, why not give microshifting a try?