Engineers Without Borders UK is a charity that empowers individuals and organisations to champion globally responsible engineering, working in collaboration with a diverse network of volunteers, students, universities, and industry partners as part of the worldwide Engineers Without Borders movement.
The problem
Engineers Without Borders UK, a mission-driven organisation dedicated to addressing global challenges through engineering, recognised the need to modernise their working practices. Lessons from the pandemic highlighted that traditional office-based working models were no longer sufficient to align with their core values of inclusivity and adaptability. The organisation identified that rigid work structures hindered job satisfaction, limited their ability to attract diverse talent, and constrained their overall effectiveness in achieving strategic goals.
The solution
In response, Engineers Without Borders UK implemented a range of progressive, agile, and flexible working practices. Central to this transformation was the adoption of a hybrid work model that balanced remote and office-based work. The organisation also introduced flexible working hours and a nine-day fortnight schedule, providing employees with greater autonomy over their time.
To support this shift, they invested in digital tools for communication and project management, ensuring seamless collaboration regardless of location. Additionally, targeted training programmes were introduced to equip team members with the skills needed to navigate the new working model effectively. This included enhancing digital literacy and promoting a culture of accountability.
The results
The outcomes of these changes have been transformative. Engineers Without Borders UK has cultivated a significantly more diverse team, with remote workers contributing from various locations worldwide. This diversity has enriched the organisation’s capabilities and perspectives.
Externally, the new working practices have enhanced the organisation’s engagement, leading to successful collaborations with universities, expanding their reach and influence in international forums, and solidifying their role as thought leaders in the sector.
Internally, the changes have enabled greater visibility and accountability for projects. The use of digital tools and structured feedback mechanisms has facilitated improved tracking and evaluation of performance metrics. Regular surveys indicate higher levels of job satisfaction, and feedback highlights the effectiveness of the hybrid model in meeting diverse employee needs.
By embracing progressive working practices, Engineers Without Borders UK has demonstrated how agility and flexibility can drive organisational success while staying true to core values. Their approach serves as a benchmark for others seeking to build inclusive, resilient, and high-performing teams in the modern workplace.
The information contained within this resource was accurate at the time of its publication. This article was created in April 2025.