The word "flexibility" implies a progressive and responsive managerial style. However, when flexibility is applied to company policy, it often takes on less flattering definitions, such as inconsistency, unfairness, or arbitrariness.
When management indicates that some rules need not be followed, the employees can hear a much broader message: the rules are written in pencil. This typically causes the employees to develop the attitude that if the policy on one infraction can be ignored, then it can be ignored on others too.
The ultimate outcome of your flexibility is that you are placing yourself in a no-win situation. If you ignore an infraction, you are setting the stage for even more serious behaviors to be overlooked tomorrow; and, if you decide to implement appropriate discipline, claims of favoritism will echo through the halls.
The fact is that many employees feel positive about having the rules enforced because it enhances their sense of safety, security, and equitable treatment. In addition, most employees are not real pleased about working with others who flaunt the rules. By taking a flexible approach to company policy, you are actually rewarding the rule-breakers and punishing the loyal and dedicated employees.
You are also assuming that enforcing the rules will cause employees to quit. If enforcement means nothing more than dishing out discipline, then turnover may well be the result. However, this need not be the case if you try to approach these employees as a coach, rather than strictly as a judge. While you would still apply the appropriate disciplinary action, you have a chance of turning some of these employees around by having two-way communication with them, giving them specific information as to better ways to handle the situations that originally got them into trouble, and letting them know that you are ready to help, guide, and support them in their efforts to improve if they can make a commitment to do so.
The bottom line is that company rules should be followed; if they are out-of-date or unrealistic, they should be revised or eliminated. This is the kind of action that flexible managers take.
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