Here at 9-2-3, the airwaves are alive with remarkable resolution, inspired innovation, and...  well, actually, spectacular sneezing.  From our completely non-scientific survey at the school gates, it seems that many of you will have been in the same boat this week. 

What makes a good leader?  How much impact do our senior managers really have on our day-to-day experience of work?   And is the movement towards equality and flexibility for all really dependent on great chiefs?

It was, as always, wonderful to see so many of the fantastic companies we work with or know at our "Flex: A Whole New World" event.  As well as listening to some truly inspirational speakers, we had the chance to talk to many of you about the future of your businesses and how you see the world of flex moving forwards. 

“Having the freedom to work flexibly and being able to dictate your own hours creates a two-way relationship of trust. Personally, for me it creates a greater sense of company loyalty as it demonstrates a high level of trust from your employer, helping make myself as a recent graduate feel valued.”

Now, I know that a blog about the logistical challenges of implementing flex in the workplace is not the most inspiring topic in the world.  As a passionate advocate of flexible working, it is all too easy for me to reel off reasons why it is so powerful.  The benefits to business are not in dispute - proven advantages include a happier, more productive workforce, less sick days taken by staff, increased profits, I could (and on many occasions, do) go on …………… But what people don’t hear about quite so often is exactly HOW businesses make flexible working work within their organisation.  

Perhaps it was the return of confidence or the break away from lego building, but something was telling me I was just so ready for a new opportunity. I was excited to tell people about what I was doing, I became EVEN more efficient with my time (if that is physically possible when already having a young family), it was like I had a new lease of life and, admittedly, such an ego boost, as things seemed to be going so well and clicking into place with work & life and the juggle.