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Above: Director, Norman Same presenting the Client of The Year Award to Andrew Waddell & Michael Gross
Below: knp supports RSCPA Cupcake Day baking cupcakes and raising funds.
FLEXIBLE WORKING HOURS PART OF KNP SOLUTIONS CULTURE
The Directors of knp Solutions have been convinced of the benefits of flexible work practices for a number of years: they see the results in positive employee and client relationships. Norman Same, Michael Same and Andrew Freeman acknowledge that it affords the company the best opportunity to recruit the best staff by being flexible and aware of employee needs. They admits there is a downside to the practice with a concern that when people work from home they may not take their scheduled breaks as they would do in the office which could lead to a level of burn-out. At a strategic level, the Directors understand that employees are managing a number of priorities in their life such as caring for children or older parents; the latter being a demographic which will increase in the future given the ageing population. Workplace flexibility is also a method for increasing employee retention as often, employees value flexible hours more than a higher salary.
The focus on flexibility has resulted in low employee turnover which is a bonus for clients in terms of relationship continuity, work quality and building business partnerships.
From the employee viewpoint , it means a holistic approach to their employment and their life outside the company is acknowledged and appreciated.
Research confirms the knp experience. The Centre of Work and Life at the University of South Australia found that workplace flexibility is associated with lower work-life conflict, improved performance, reduced absenteeism and health benefits. Benefits for the workplace include increased productivity, reduced absenteeism and improved employee-employer relations.
The working week for knp is from 8.30 a.m. through to 5.30 p.m. Monday to Thursday. However, on Fridays, office hours are from 8.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.; a practice which has been in place for a number of years. Together with these office hours, employees are also provided with the opportunity to arrange their working week between office and home. Another feature for employees is that they are able to start or finish work earlier basing their hours around family responsibilities. They are also able to log on to the IT system remotely and securely facilitating work from home.
Employees who choose to work from home are required to adhere to all Occupational Health & Safety regulations.
knp Solutions provides a clear demonstration that small business can implement workplace practices; practices which are sometimes considered the province of only our larger organisations.
