National Flexible Working Day

A diverse group of professionals sitting in a bright, modern office space, wearing comfortable and stylish attire, surrounded by plants and natural light.. — National flexible working day illustration

Hey there, fellow flexible worker! Are you ready to dive into the wonderful world of National Flexible Working Day? Buckle up and get ready for a wild ride as we explore the ins and outs of this fantastic day!

When is Flexible Working Day?

It's national flexible working day on the 12th September.

What is National Flexible Working Day?

National Flexible Working Day is a glorious celebration of a modern work practice that allows individuals to have more control over their work hours and location. This day aims to raise awareness and promote the benefits of flexible work arrangements.

Flexibility in the workplace has become increasingly important in our fast-paced society. Gone are the days of being chained to a desk from 9 to 5. With technology advancements, more and more people are embracing flexible working options.

Whether you work from home in your pajamas, at a local cafe, or in a cozy coworking space, flexible working gives you the freedom to choose when and where you work.

The Internet History of National Flexible Working Day

The idea of National Flexible Working Day was born on the internet, where everything magical happens. Back in 2010, a group of tech-savvy individuals got together in an online forum and realized the need to celebrate and advocate for flexible work arrangements.

They wanted to create a day that would not only raise awareness but also promote discussions about work-life balance and the positive impact of flexible working on individuals and society as a whole.

Since its inception, National Flexible Working Day has gained widespread popularity and recognition, with more and more people embracing flexible work arrangements each year.

Fun Fact: Embrace Your Inner PJ-Wearing Pro

Did you know that pajamas are the unofficial uniform of National Flexible Working Day? Yes, that's right! On this day, it's perfectly acceptable and encouraged to work in your comfiest sleepwear. Just make sure to close that Zoom meeting before you accidentally stand up!

History behind the term 'Flexible Working'

1970

The Birth of Telecommuting

The concept of flexible working first emerged in the 1970s when the term 'telecommuting' was coined. Jack Nilles, an American futurist, introduced this idea as a way to reduce traffic congestion and improve work-life balance. Telecommuting allowed employees to work from home or satellite offices using telecommunication technologies, such as phones and computers. This new approach challenged the traditional notion of 'going to work' and laid the foundation for the future transformation of work patterns.

1980

The Rise of Flextime

In the 1980s, a new form of flexible working emerged, known as 'flextime.' Flextime allowed employees to have more control over their work hours, as long as they fulfilled the required number of working hours. This innovative approach aimed to accommodate individual preferences and promote work-life balance. Companies recognized that allowing employees to determine their own schedules increased productivity and job satisfaction, leading to the widespread adoption of flextime policies.

1990

Embracing Remote Work

By the 1990s, technological advancements, particularly the internet and email, further revolutionized flexible working. This era saw the rise of remote work, enabling employees to complete their tasks from anywhere, not just from a specific office location. Companies began to embrace remote work as a cost-effective strategy, as it reduced the need for physical office space and allowed organizations to tap into a global talent pool. The concept of a 'virtual office' became increasingly popular, transforming the traditional office setup.

2010

The Gig Economy and Digital Nomads

In the 2010s, the term 'flexible working' encompassed a broader range of work arrangements. The emergence of the gig economy, characterized by short-term contracts and freelance work, fueled the demand for flexible working options. Additionally, the rise of digital nomads—individuals who use technology to work remotely while traveling—added a new dimension to flexible working. This modern interpretation of flexible working highlighted the possibilities of a location-independent career, where individuals could pursue their professional aspirations while enjoying a nomadic lifestyle.