I just read about some recent research conducted by Wolfson Research Institute at Durham University that flexible working is good for people’s health and general wellbeing. That’s something we’ve known for years here at wow.

Flexible working was originally proposed by the Government for parents with children under 16 – where employees could request the option from employers. However, at wow we’ve been operating a flexible working system for over 3 years now.

We introduced it to take the stress and pressure out of the lives of our staff – we also recognised that as a creative team, not everyone is at their most creative stuck in an office all day. We asked ourselves the question –  how can millions of people all be at their most productive between the hours of 9-5.30?

Being a service led company we have to consider that our clients need to contact us but modern technology has helped free the shackles of the conventional office and it’s standard hours. It means that we’re working to the times our bodies works best. As an example, this morning I wrote a brief for the studio at 5.45am – but I’m heading out this afternoon to visit someone at hospital.

The key to making flexible working work for you is communication – good, strong communication, that doesn’t mean your available 24/7 – that’s not what flexible working is. It’s about taking time to rest and enjoy a balanced life. To bring that good feeling to your work, wherever and whenever it best suits you.

There’s a number of online tools that allow you to work anytime and anywhere. We’re just about to put our management information system online using WorkflowMax, we’ve also got an online schedule planner, plus our work server will all be online soon too. Couple that with smart phones, skype and tools that allow you to collaborate online as well and we’re a powerhouse fuelled by flexibility.

Bet you wondered how we’re so darn happy all the time!

Is it just us, or are things starting to improve out there? I’ve heard rumours that it’s a W shaped recession and to expect another dip, which is concerning – not only because of the huge influence the doom and gloom press has on the economy but because since the recession I’ve developed a habit of touching wood everywhere!

Either way we’re finding things are picking up in our business. Is it because there really are ‘green shoots’ or is that we’ve worked really hard on focusing on our core business and stopped faffing around on things that don’t add value? I think it could be a bit of both.

The recession for us has meant a long hard look at our costs and the way we work and we’re in the process of implementing some really lovely and exciting changes, utilising technology to help us work smarter and perform better for our clients. I’m actually left with the feeling that if (or when) the recession is really over (and not just by the 0.00001% growth we’re meant to be experiencing) we’ll be left working on a beautifully efficient, innovative and energised business. That’s really floating my boat.