Embracing Unique Working Patterns Through Flexible Working

What defines a ‘normal’ work pattern and should we be updating our belief of what that looks like? Today we're diving into how, much like the fact we are all unique, we may all have our own ways of working and unique times that we work at.

In our heads we think the average workday is between 9 to 5, which it is for most companies but, what about the ones that enable flexible working for their employees? Well they likely have employees that work around the clock between them, covering the hours that work best for them when they are most active and most importantly, at their peak for drive and creativity. 

This blog originates off the back of a conversation between myself and Anthony Murphy from Veritas Facilities Consultancy. We were discussing the recent hot weather and what that looks like when working from home. For me, I’ve been spending more time in the garden during the day to reinforce positive mental health and get my ideas flowing. Then at night, those ideas come alive and I knuckle down on some work - take this moment for example, it’s 01:23am as I’m writing this! Both Anthony and I found each other’s point of view interesting, two individuals from completely different professional backgrounds united by flexible working beliefs. His take?

Working from home as a solopreneur or through the work that you do has many benefits, but also some drawbacks. It's highly likely that in working from home you are not enjoying the benefits that working from a shared workspace brings. Recent studies have also shown how working from home can increase the hours worked due to lacking breaks or reasons to vary, stop or alter work patterns. 

Sophie and I have discussed the ways in which we approach our days to maximise time and productivity. Our approaches couldn't be more different and whilst Sophie is the epitome of the “night owl”, I am up with the Lark and at times, somewhat earlier. 

This raised the interesting topic of neurodiversity and how this links with your own body clock, when you feel most energetic, productive and generally at your best. It was clear that we both have very different patterns and rhythms and it raised the bigger question of how the institutional 9-5 workplace may actually work against you. 

With an increased focus and in some situations, insistence on returning to the office, consideration needs to be made to avoid attendance for attendance sake at the cost of productivity. There are real, social, educational and productivity gains to be had through coworking, collaborating and returning to the office; however the risk of instigating a “one size fits all” type solution is still very real.  

Increased understanding and appreciation of individual patterns as well as neurodiversities and the benefits that they bring are just a couple of many factors that need consideration before simply opting for a “back to the office” policy. Tapping into remote working & geographical talent, enabling more specific ways of working and the environmental gains of reduced levels of traffic are also some of the many benefits.

I remember many years ago visiting the London offices for Lego. Lego is a highly creative and inspirational brand and their work environment promotes this creative ability with dynamic ways of capturing creative thinking and ideas whilst also providing sleeping pods that allow people to refocus and recharge during the day if required. All in the interest of supporting the creative process and providing a workplace that supports the mutual needs of the individual and organisation.

Speaking of creativity, this is one of the main parts of my role as a branding specialist, graphic designer and marketer at Serrano Media… and ideas do not come easily when forced. 

Being both a creative and neurodiverse (ADHD), my circadian clock runs at a different time. Mornings do not bode well with me, days can be strenuous but come nightfall, my brain is raring and ready to go. No emails, no distractions, ideas flowing and the hyperfocus sets in. 

Most of my work is done when others are asleep, sometimes I can power through until 4/5am - which coincidently is the time Anthony is rising and most productive. For me, days are spent replying to emails, attending meetings and addressing tasks in a collaborative manner within society’s typical working hours so as to not disturb others’ patterns; but independent work can be done at independent times. This works for me and I know I’m not the only one. 

If this concept seems daunting, it's always great to get inspired by other companies that are successfully implementing flexible working strategies. Many of these organisations still maintain a general framework (typically a 9-to-5 window) as core hours meaning people know when it’s okay to book meetings or expect timely replies. It’s more about setting shared boundaries than sticking to strict schedules.

Outside of those core hours though, people are trusted to work in a way that suits them best. That might mean coming into the office when it feels right, working early mornings or late nights if that’s when they feel most focused, or building their day around things like the school run. It’s all about creating a rhythm that supports real life, not the other way around.

When people have that freedom, they’re not just less stressed, they’re often happier, more engaged and more likely to do their best work. It’s a way of working that respects individuality while still keeping everyone connected.