O2 flexibility: testimony of Sarah, Account Manager

Flow, a recruiting website that showcases flexible employers in Quebec, recently met up with Sarah, an account executive who’s been at O2 Web since 2015.

– What flexible work arrangements does your company offer? 

• Flexible schedule
• Ability to work from home
• Management style isn’t based on employees working at the office
• Other: Work hours can be scaled back as needed

– Which flexible work arrangements do you take advantage of and why? 

All of these measures are equally useful to me! Being able to work from home and adjust my hours to my needs is invaluable. It makes my life so much easier and allows me to balance work and family obligations a lot better than before. Just the fact that I don’t have to go back and forth between my house, the office and my son’s daycare saves me tons of time. As a result, I’m able to be more present at home and at work. Every now and then I pop in to the office to see what’s happening and catch up with my colleagues. My spouse often has to go away for work, which means I sometimes end up single-parenting for several weeks at a time. When I explained this to my employer, O2 Web agreed to reduce my work hours when I’m a solo mom so that I can do everything that I need to do. Since I don’t have to rush around, I’m more focused and efficient at work. It’s win-win!

– How do you benefit from flexible working conditions? 

Flexible work arrangements have done wonders for reducing my stress levels. Knowing that the company and my manager are understanding takes a lot of pressure off of me. Without these conditions, it would be really hard for me to manage my time and keep up with personal and professional demands. Thanks to the flexible arrangements, I’m able to find balance, spend quality time with my son and enjoy peace of mind. I’m currently pregnant with my second child, so I often have medical appointments. It’s really reassuring to know that if I work a little less some weeks, it won’t be perceived negatively by my manager.

– Were flexible working conditions an important consideration when you were looking for a job? 

My past employer had a rigid schedule and required everyone to work from the office. Joining a flexible workplace like O2 Web has given me the chance to take longer lunch breaks and start my day when I want. I appreciated this flexibility even before having children, though my needs were different back then! My life has changed a lot in the past 6 years and so have my priorities. At this point in my life, working for a flexible employer is extremely important to me.

– In the future (and only hypothetically), would you consider working for an employer that didn’t offer flexible work arrangements? 

Definitely not! I’d never go back to working for a rigid employer. Flexibility is really important to me. I need it to maintain my work/life balance.

– How do flexible working conditions affect your physical and mental health? 

My stress levels have decreased considerably. Not having to justify my time to my manager has taken a huge weight off my shoulders. We have a trust-based relationship, which puts me at ease. Peace of mind is very important to me. I’m able to focus on what really matters—both at work and at home! Plus, having the chance to scale back my work hours during my pregnancy means that I’m a lot less tired.

– How do flexible working conditions affect your relationships with colleagues and superiors? 

Since the flexible measures have been available to me since I started 6 years ago, I can’t say they’ve impacted my work relationships. Flexibility is so ingrained in the organizational culture that it’s never created an issue. For example, no one resents that I’m working a reduced schedule because this benefit is available to anyone who wants it. People also recognize the value of taking the time to chat, since it reinforces your sense of belonging and team spirit. The fact that we work remotely also means that the team feels united regardless of geographic distances. It doesn’t matter if you live in Quebec City, Montreal or elsewhere in the world. I’ve gotten to know all my colleagues, even those who are physically far away, through our virtual social activities and frequent conversations. I’ve made great connections with everyone!

– What makes the company an employer of choice for both managers and employees? 

O2 Web doesn’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. The company accommodates each person’s needs. Instead of strict corporate policies, there are guidelines that are flexible enough for everyone. O2 Web’s senior management team is also very approachable. There’s real camaraderie between everyone, regardless of their hierarchical levels. New ideas are always welcome, no matter who you talk to! In my opinion, O2 Web’s best asset is its people. Everyone is passionate about they do and works hard to get the job done right. With such a great community, it’s a highly motivating environment. We’ve got a close-knit team and we’re there for each other. Management encourages it. Last but not least, the Social Club organizes a lot of different activities to keep us connected.