Flex Hours: When You Trust Your Team, Everyone Wins
At The Ward Design Group, we believe that creativity thrives when people are trusted, respected, and supported. That’s why we embrace flexible work hours, not just as a perk, but as a core part of how we operate.
Flex hours—short for flexible work hours—allow employees to adjust their start and end times around a schedule that works best for their lives, as long as the job gets done. Whether that means starting earlier to pick up kids after school or working later to avoid a hectic commute, flex hours give people the ability to manage their time in a way that promotes both productivity and well-being.
What Are Flex Hours?
Flex hours differ from the traditional 9-to-5 structure. Instead of requiring all team members to be at their desks at the same time, employees are given the freedom to shape their workday within certain guidelines. For example:
- A designer might prefer 7 AM–3 PM to take advantage of quiet morning hours.
- A developer might work 10 AM–6 PM to match their peak energy window.
- Others may split their day into segments to manage school drop-offs, appointments, or personal time.
How do we Flex our Hours at Ward Design Group?
Our current flex allows most of our team to work Monday through Thursday, leaving the office closed on Fridays. We always monitor websites, and we have staff working remotely, even when our office is closed. That’s the current season’s Flex. This is due to change as needed for the benefit of our team members.
This approach doesn’t mean chaos—it means clarity. Expectations and deadlines are still in place. Collaboration is still prioritized. But the road to delivering great work is more human, more balanced, and more respectful of people’s lives.
The Benefits of Flex Hours
- Increased Productivity
When people are able to work during their most focused hours, they get more done in less time. Burnout drops, creativity rises, and the quality of work improves.
- Higher Employee Satisfaction
Respect is a two-way street. When employers show trust in their teams, employees feel valued. And people who feel appreciated are far more likely to go the extra mile when it counts.
- Attracting and Retaining Top Talent
Today’s best workers aren’t just looking for a paycheck—they’re looking for freedom. Offering flexibility gives your company a competitive edge in a workforce that values autonomy.
- Stronger Company Culture
Flexibility doesn’t weaken company culture—it strengthens it. When people feel like their needs are met, they bring positivity to meetings, projects, and team interactions. Respect breeds loyalty. Loyalty fuels success.
- Better Work-Life Balance
Employees with healthier personal lives bring more energy, focus, and dedication to their work. It’s not about working less. It’s about working smarter, not harder.
Giving People What They Want Gets You What You Need
At the heart of flex hours is a simple philosophy: treat people like adults. Trust them to manage their time, and in return, you’ll get a team that’s motivated, engaged, and committed to the mission.
As a creative studio in St. Augustine, we know that our best work comes from a place of joy and balance. Happy people create beautiful things. That’s why we’ve built a culture where flexibility isn’t just allowed—it’s encouraged.
Because when your team feels seen, heard, and respected, the results speak for themselves.
