Flexible working arrangements have become a cornerstone of modern employment, offering significant advantages that boost both employee wellbeing and organisational performance. By enabling employees to tailor their work schedules and environments, companies can foster a more engaged, productive, and satisfied workforce. In this blog, we’ll explore the top wellbeing benefits of flexible working.
Enhanced Work-Life Balance
Flexible working enables employees to better juggle professional responsibilities with personal commitments, leading to a significant improvement in work-life balance. This balance is crucial for reducing stress and preventing burnout, as employees can allocate time to family, hobbies, and self-care without compromising their professional duties.
For example, research by the University of Melbourne highlights that flexible work arrangements can significantly alleviate stress and improve mental health, contributing to overall job satisfaction. Employees who have the freedom to adjust their schedules often report feeling more in control of their lives, which translates to greater happiness and focus at work.
Increased Productivity and Job Satisfaction
Giving employees control over their work schedules can lead to heightened productivity and job satisfaction. When individuals have the autonomy to choose their working hours and locations, they are more likely to perform tasks during their peak productivity periods.
Studies consistently show the connection between flexible working and increased efficiency. The Gartner 2021 Digital Worker Experience Survey shows that 43% of respondents said that flexible working hours helped them achieve more productivity. Workers appreciate the trust placed in them, which often translates to higher morale and a stronger sense of loyalty toward their employer.
Reduced Absenteeism and Improved Retention
Offering flexible working options can lead to lower absenteeism rates, as employees can manage personal appointments or unforeseen issues without taking entire days off. This flexibility also enhances employee retention, as individuals are more likely to stay with employers who accommodate their need for work-life balance.
The Work Foundation’s recent report underscores this point, showing that employees with flexible working conditions are less likely to leave the labor market due to health issues. Employees with no flexibility in their roles were four times more likely to leave work after a health decline, whilst those with low levels of control over their working hours were 3.7 times more likely to leave their job.
Attraction of Top Talent
In today’s competitive job market, flexible working arrangements are a key factor in attracting top talent. Organisations that offer flexibility demonstrate their commitment to employee wellbeing, making them more appealing to prospective hires.
A survey conducted by Jobera revealed that 80% of employees consider flexible work arrangements a deciding factor when evaluating job offers. This underscores the importance of positioning flexibility as a core component of workplace culture to attract high-performing individuals.
Support for Health and Wellbeing
Flexible working can significantly enhance both physical and mental health by reducing commuting time and allowing for better management of personal health needs. Employees who work flexibly often report lower stress levels, improved sleep quality, and better overall wellbeing.
Additionally, flexible arrangements can support employees dealing with chronic health conditions or caregiving responsibilities. The Work Foundation’s findings emphasise that flexible work options keep employees with health conditions engaged in the workforce, which benefits both individuals and their organisations.
Implementing flexible working arrangements offers numerous benefits that enhance employee wellbeing and organisational success. By fostering a culture that values flexibility, organisations can create a more engaged, productive, and satisfied workforce. The result is not only happier employees but also a more resilient and competitive organisation poised to thrive in the modern workplace.
