Developments in IT and communication technologies have made the
working world faster, more efficient and flexible. But one company has
taken the concept of flexible working beyond the norm, claiming that
allowing employees’ children into the office when childcare is an issue
can be beneficial to an organisation.

IT and communication company SA1 Solutions, implements flexible
working practices to positively impact its staff members and the
business overall. This is particularly useful for employees with
children, who often find it difficult to juggle work and childcare.

The company has created a ‘chill-out’ room at its Swansea
headquarters for employees who need to bring their children (of a
suitable age) into the office when childcare arrangements have failed.
Adjacent to staff offices, parents can keep a close eye on their
children, who can keep themselves busy with games console, homework
area, as well as enjoy other games and healthy snacks.

Simon Ahearne, managing director of SA1 Solutions, commented:

“Flexible working is something more companies should embrace. I’m a
father myself so understand how difficult it can be managing work around
children.

“Having a safe and welcoming environment on site for children of
staff to enjoy is important to me. It eliminates the situation where an
employee has to dash out of the office to pick up their child. Employees
are happier in themselves when they know their child is nearby and so
they are not worrying about them. It keeps them focused on their work,
which benefits the functioning of the business.”

Increased employee morale, job satisfaction, better engagement and a
greater commitment to an organisation can all result from flexible
working practices. In addition to allowing employees’ children in the
office, SA1 Solutions also allows its staff to work remotely when
needed, enhancing its commitment to flexible working for staff.
Utilising its own services through cloud solutions, cloud computing
provides employees with fast, reliable and direct connections to a
remote server.

Ahearne added:

“We have had fewer absences since implementing the chill-out room and
making it easier for people to work remotely when needed. Sometimes
there is no other choice but to look after a child at home, but now
employees can carry on with work as usual but from their home.

“Staff don’t take advantage of these flexible working options. They
are more of a safety blanket when staff have no other option. Our staff
retention is the highest it’s ever been and we are retaining top talent
through our flexible working approach. ”

SA1 Solutions is a leading managed service provider based in South
Wales, offering services to over hundreds of customers across the UK.