How Work Flexibility Improves Mental and Physical Health

Save

By Greg Kratz

No business can prosper without dedicated, motivated, and productive workers. When an employee feels stressed, unsupported, or overworked, it can impact their physical and mental health. Flexible work arrangements can help employees manage stress by giving them more control over their schedules, leading to more productivity, fewer sick days, and more loyalty and dedication to the employer.

Offering flexible work arrangements can also help attract qualified employees from geographical regions outside of the reach of a traditional commute. These factors combine to create a healthier and more productive workforce, which is ultimately what the vast majority of employers are seeking for their team.

Creating a Healthy Work Environment

In a study completed by the American Psychological Association (APA), 59% of employees reported that stress negatively impacted their mental and physical health. Admittedly, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution to helping employees manage their work stressors. However, when asked what employers could do to help mitigate their stress levels, the most common answer was offering flexible hours.

The APA isn’t alone in making a solid business case for the health benefits of flexibility. Mental Health America (MHA) also notes the negative impacts on people and businesses when workers don’t have a healthy work-life balance. But how can a company play a role in helping its workers find that balance? Much of the evidence points to offering flexibility.

Eliminating High-Stress Commutes

Have you ever asked your employees if they’d like to get an extra six weeks of free time for the same salary? It’s doubtful anyone would turn you down. That’s what’s on the table for the average commuter in the United States. Studies show that the average commute adds up to 234 hours annually, equivalent to almost six 40-hour workweeks. And that’s before considering the financial implications of eliminating a commute.

Eliminating your employee’s commute isn’t only about helping them to avoid their most significant daily stress factor. It’s also the reality that they’ll save time by not having to park, walk into the office, or get workplace-ready daily. They’ll have lunch hours and breaks in their homes that they can devote to home management tasks or personal hobbies. You’ll be gifting far more than six weeks back into their lives when it all adds up.

Eliminating High-Anxiety Work Challenges

For many employees, trying to meet both personal and professional commitments can be a huge source of anxiety. Whether due to obligations to others, such as elderly parents and small children, or simply having needs to attend to for their own health, those personal concerns can quickly sabotage work productivity. An inability to focus, increased irritability, and disengagement with one’s overall performance and career progression are all common symptoms of anxiety at work.

While it may seem counterintuitive, giving employees more control can actually lead to increased productivity and decreased anxiety among your team. According to the American Psychological Association, allowing employees to have a say in work hours, break times, and communication style can help them feel more invested in their work and less stressed about meeting their commitments.

As a bonus, remote workers spend less time worrying over office politics and drifting into casual conversation—adding up an average increase in productivity when team members are allowed to work remotely. So, if you’re looking for ways to increase productivity and decrease stress in your workplace, consider giving your employees more control.

Introducing Better Overall Health

What do employees do with that free time and lower stress? Well, over 50% report that they adopt a pet, as they’ll be available to meet its needs. Others find that they can better meet the needs of balancing childcare or elder care with another caregiver. And still others have found the flexibility of moving to a more remote area with a lower cost of living to be one of the most fantastic perks. For many, it’s the daily benefits of being more active and maintaining their hobbies.

A Better Balance is a flexible employer that provides substantial information to support this point of view, noting that “employees who believe they have workplace flexibility lead healthier lifestyles, as demonstrated by their sleep habits, level of physical activity, and stress management.” This is excellent news for employers. Studies have shown that healthier employees are happier, more productive, and more likely to stay with your company in the long run.

Supporting Employee Well-Being

Work-life balance is a hot topic for good reason. We live in a fast-paced world where it can be hard to disconnect and recharge. That’s why it’s essential to find ways to support employees’ goals to achieve healthier habits and routines.

With the many benefits supporting a transition to a remote workforce, it’s clear that giving employees the opportunity to find a better work-life blend is a great business decision all around. Not only will you be making your employees lives easier, but you’ll also be making a wise investment in your business. It’s a win-win!

Discover a better way to recruit remote talent with FlexJobs!