Tech ceo Adam Coleman puts flexible working to the test working from 23 locations, across four different countries to encourage wider acceptance among employers

Whilst we all agree that the world of work has changed, that we are no longer restricted by time zones, physical locations or have to be physically chained to our workplace desk Monday – Friday from 9-5 (5.30 in most cases!), not every employer is actually fully on board.

CEO Adam Coleman of Lahinch based HRLocker is taking flexible working to new heights, working from 23 different locations across four countries in six weeks to prove that not only is “work” not a place but to demonstrate the efficacy and benefits of flexible working, for both employee and employer.

Travelling in his Volkswagen T2 Campervan, he will continue to complete his daily business tasks on the road, while also meeting multiple clients and employees along the way, and show first-hand that flexible working and the digital nomad existence is possible for even the most senior of employees.

The pandemic and its many lockdowns proved that in most industries, technology enables perfectly smooth, efficient and productive remote working. For employees, it was a chance to take stock  and establish a better work/life balance, with presenteeism and rush hour commuting quickly becoming distant memories.

Fast forward a few months and we are all familiar with talk of “the great resignation”,  and employees leaving roles in their droves to put their well-being and comfort above all else; above salary, above perceived loyalty, above peer pressure and competition; above the traditional way of working. A 2021 EY survey of 16,000 employees across 16 countries, revealed that 54% “would consider leaving their current job post-Covid, if they are not given some flexibility in where and when they work.”

“The facts remain clear, organisations that truly embrace flexible working practices, in its many guises, will hold onto and attract the best and happiest talent. Those that don’t should consider adjusting lest they lose their people to more accommodating competitors,” says Coleman.

Adding, “While it’s encouraging to see new directives being brought forward by the EU, such as Directive 2019/1158, which gives all working parents of children up to at least eight years and all carers the right to request flexible working arrangements, is it time we all had the option?” 

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