Working Life > Career > Flexibility

Flexibility at Work

Definition, Explanation

Flexibility in job life means the mental ability to quickly cope with changed requirements and conditions. For a person, being flexible in this way requires open-mindedness regarding change and adapts easily.

In new employments and employee development flexibility finds increased appreciation.

Tips, Checklist

• Be generally curious, open to changes, without discarding your critical faculties. Do try novelties just for the experience.
• The flexibility demanded from applicants is often not defined. If so, ask for clarification what it refers to: changing locations of employment, flexible working times, permanent re-organization (re-engineering) or other... ? Flexibility does not necessarily go along with freedom or more autonomy or more self-responsibility, but actually leads betimes to working more controlled. Some critics see a lack of authority through matters of flexibility, and therefore the ability of management to exert power without taking responsibility. Also criticized is the missing long-term bond, in flexible work.

Last update: 07/13/2010