There has been a lot of talk recently about the importance of flexibility in the workplace. A lot of research has been done over the years, and the results show that there are some real benefits from providing flexibility regarding where, when, and how employees in your business work.
Listed below are some of those benefits that, in the long-run, serve both the employers and employees.
Less Stress.
Work-related stress has been found to affect a large fraction of the working-class population. This stress often stems from the lack of a proper work-life balance that results in unhealthy lifestyle practices and even worker burnout. It is difficult to be productive when your mind and body are stressed; however, creating a flexible working environment can help eliminate this problem.
Flexibility provides employees with a chance to rejuvenate; sleep patterns improve, and they are able to reduce the pressure that stems from the conflict of work and life. This, in turn, improves employee health considerably and also boosts productivity. For employers and business owners, having staff that is healthier and happier will see an improvement in satisfaction, employee loyalty, and retention.
Lower Rates of Turnover and Absenteeism.
Where people do not feel motivated or feel extremely overwhelmed, turnover rates and absenteeism tend to rise. A flexible workspace can help your business deal with these issues. Where the workforce is happy and satisfied, the employees become motivated to show up to work. They are also less likely to be job hunting if they are able to find contentment and freedom in their current jobs. Employers are then able to save a lot of money that would otherwise be lost in unnecessary recruiting and training new staff.
Increased Productivity.
Over the last few years, there has been a visible shift in the way many people think about the work-life balance. People no longer want to slave away at their jobs while all the other aspects of their lives are put on hold. One of the new workforce trends 2020 has brought with it is a pursuit of the work-life balance that many millennials believe allows them to be more productive. This is visible as a flexible working environment gives people more control over the schedules. They show up feeling more energized and happier, and this spills over into the quality of their work.
It’s Easier on The Wallet.
Businesses are constantly in search of new ways to save money and cut costs. For employees, flexible work provides an avenue to save on transport costs by working remotely. Flexibility in the work environment has also been found to reduce the cost of healthcare significantly. For employers, having a large part of the staff work remotely reduces their costs on office space and equipment. This is in addition to the costs that are reduced from having happier and healthier employees.
It is More Than Just a Trend.
Over the years, the narrative of flexible working hours has changed drastically. While it was easy for many businesses to assume early on that it would be a fad that would soon end, the data and the benefits are proving otherwise. For businesses to survive and thrive in this economy, it is vital that they see the multiple ways technology has allowed for a more efficient working environment. With the continued advancement in technology and apparent shifts in priorities among many young people, it is easy to deduce that businesses must find ways to make flexible working environments a norm or risk losing out on the benefits.
When considering the future of workspaces and work schedules, it is clear that businesses have a lot to gain from having a flexible work environment. In addition to cutting costs and improving productivity, businesses can also actively provide workspaces that employees find satisfactory and fulfilling as well.
