Tip 14: Flexibility, diversity and imagination

When it comes to maximising scare resources in 2010, businesses that embrace flexibility, diversity and imagination in the way that they work will give themselves the best chance of succeeding.

Everybody is well aware that technology, when properly used, can enable businesses to make real productivity gains and make limited resources go much further. But technology alone won’t make this happen. It needs real imagination, allied to a commitment to flexibility and diversity to fully reap the benefits. 

More and more businesses are recognising that they no longer need their people to come into a fixed location from nine to five to work. Business is about being around when your customer needs you, not when your staff are available.

Diverse people have diverse ways of working, and the right mix can achieve real outperformance and competitive edge. A flexible working policy, whether it is through home working, part time, job sharing or family friendly hours, can attract talent into your business that you might not otherwise find.

Many service providers are recognising this, as is evidenced by scalable IT and office solutions, as well as the wide range of outsourcing options that are available. This is enabling smart businesses to reduce their risks by minimising their fixed cost base.

You still need to be mindful of being compliant with the usual raft of business regulations such as employment, tax and health and safety, but aside from that, what are you waiting for?

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