Different work environments and styles
Living in the digital age is leading to more collaborative and flexible working styles. Apart from the regular full-time model which relies on you being in a specific place at a specific time, newer employment patterns mean there are more options in how you work.
Your work setting
You could be office-based, home-based, in the field, at the client’s office or a combination (mobile). If you work for yourself, you might be working in a café at times or in a communal space, e.g. co-working hubs, artist’s studio’s etc.
Maybe you work in an office block but do you have your own desk? Are you hot or flexi desking or working in a team zone area (communal space)? If you're self-employed, you could even be working on a sun lounger now and then!
We're flexible with the support we give people, not only in terms of paying for study but if they need to change their working patterns as well.
David Rigney, Nationwide
Your work hours
Apart from full/part time hours, you can be on flexitime, shift working or have a working time account. Part-time work can offer you more freedom and balance but it means planning your schedule carefully and managing perceptions and expectations from others.
Employers can be adaptable when considering individual circumstances so it is always worth discussing this. For example, some employers now offer school term-time work to provide parents with greater flexibility.
Your contract - or not
You might be offered work on a fixed-term temporary basis. If you are an employee you may have a fixed time contract for a particular project or an agreed mission.
Alternatively, perhaps you’re someone who combines independently contracted freelance work with using online intermediaries. Gig workers can choose to earn extra income using apps such as OwnersDirect, Etsy to provide short-term accommodation, products or deliver a service. You could also choose to do micro-jobbing, so using your phone to complete smaller tasks or a piece-work via a website or app. The lines are a little blurred for some service gig workers who may be regarded as neither contracted employees nor independent contractors but more of a hybrid.
Your tools
You could be working remotely, which is likely to involve access to on-demand computing and software. If you’re employed, this may be organised through an employer and personalised to your need. If you’re freelancing or self-employed, you probably have to buy your own devices and choose your own technical software. There are lots of apps and tools available to support those who are going it alone. These range from accounting software to project management and file sharing apps.
Your way of working
How you decide to work might be an expression of your personality. If you are someone with a few different talents who enjoys variety then having more than one job might suit you. Working in a multi-dimensional way could lead you to run more than one business or take on a hybrid role if you’re employed.
Alternative ways of working might not just be about changing your hours and location but may be about working outside the usual boundaries.
