Flexible working: benefits for employee well-being

In recent years, the world of work has undergone a profound and rapid transformation, marked by the rise of flexible working. Flexibility has emerged as a key element out of necessity, in response to global crises, but also as a result of changing mentalities and employee expectations. In particular, the COVID-19 crisis helped introduce remote working into the norms of the working world. Today, more and more companies are adopting flexible working policies, offering their employees the opportunity to choose where, when and how they work. These policies are in line with employees' desire for greater flexibility at work(Opinionway survey, November 2022).

Flexible working means that employees are free to work where, when and how they want. Among the most common forms of flexible working are :

• Flexible working hours: Adjusting start and end times to suit employees' personal and professional needs.  

• Teleworking: Remote working offers an alternative to physical presence in the office, improves work-life balance and reduces the stress associated with travel.

• Part-time work: Reducing the number of hours worked per week helps achieve a better work-life balance.

• Job sharing: Sharing the responsibilities of a full-time position between two or more part-time employees reduces the risk of burn-out.

• Task flexibility: The freedom to choose tasks and how to perform them according to one's preferences improves job satisfaction and motivation.

• Sabbatical leave: Extended periods of unpaid leave enable employees to recharge their batteries or devote themselves to personal projects. They contribute to a better balance between personal and professional life.

These flexible working arrangements not only meet the varied needs of employees, but also adapt to the company. They foster a more inclusive and agile work environment, where performance and productivity are not defined by rigid schedules, but by the quality and efficiency of the work accomplished.

Find out in this article how flexibility improves employee well-being.

Flexible working and mental health

According to a study by Future Forum Pulse, flexible working is good for stress management, work-life balance and overall satisfaction.

Stress reduction

Flexible working considerably reduces the stress to which employees are exposed. For many, commuting is a major source of stress. The fear of arriving late weighs heavily on their shoulders, as they are confronted daily with problems on the road (traffic jams, frequent public transport delays...). Flexible working hours eliminate this pressure and give employees the freedom to arrive at the time they want. Part-time jobs or job sharing reduce stress at work by sharing responsibilities. Sabbaticals, meanwhile, offer a real opportunity to put aside work-related problems and reduce pressure.

Putting an end to stress  

Autonomy and control

The increased sense of control and freedom over one's schedule reduces anxiety and improves job satisfaction. What's more, it enables a better work-life balance.  

Time for leisure and family

Flexible working offers more time for personal and family activities, which contributes to better mental health. Indeed, many employees are unable to take part in leisure activities because of time or location constraints. However, leisure activities can help you to relax and recharge your batteries. Maintaining social relationships with loved ones is also essential to well-being. Having the time to do what you love and to spend with friends and family enables a better balance between personal and professional life.

Flexible working and physical health

Improved physical condition

According to a study by the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health and Pennsylvania State University, flexible working may reduce employees' risk of cardiovascular disease. Flexible working hours and location make physical activity more accessible. This activity is beneficial to employees' physical health. Sport strengthens the cardiovascular system, increases muscle strength and promotes weight management.

Find out more about the benefits of sport  

Travel reduction

The fatigue caused by daily commuting is detrimental to employees' physical well-being. Some spend hours on the road or in public transport every day to get to their place of work, seriously compromising the quality of their sleep and their private lives. Telecommuting enables employees to get more sleep and not waste time on the daily commute. It also means less risk of accidents on the road and fewer absentees. Less commuting also means lower transportation costs, which can be reinvested in practices that promote physical well-being.

Better time management

Thanks to the ability to manage their own schedules, employees can include sports sessions in their working day and be more active. Telecommuting also offers more time for cooking healthy meals and enjoying leisure activities. Last but not least, flexibility helps to avoid exhausting work rhythms.

Ergonomic working conditions

Telecommuting lets you work comfortably from home. It allows you to work where you feel most comfortable and most efficient. Opt for comfortable clothing and choose office furniture adapted to your needs to limit the pain caused by prolonged sitting. Invest in an ergonomic chair to promote your physical well-being and avoid RSI.

Work productivity and flexibility

More concentration

Flexibility allows everyone to adapt their working environment to suit their needs. Every employee is different, and while some work better from home because they find it hard not to chat with colleagues all the time, others need to be in the workplace to concentrate. Allowing workplace flexibility gives everyone the freedom to work where they are most productive.

Schedules adapted to individual rhythms

A Robert Half Company study shows that 7 out of 10 employees get more work done in the morning. The following chart illustrates the time slots during which work is most productive.

When employees have flexible working hours, they can choose to work at the times when they are most efficient. This improves work quality and productivity.

Increased motivation

Offering a high degree of flexibility is a sign of the recognition and trust a company places in its employees, reinforcing their motivation and commitment. This not only enables work to be adapted to individual needs, but also fosters an environment where everyone feels valued and encouraged to give their best.

Employee retention and flexible working

Flexibility is a key consideration for talent when choosing a job. 46% of employees consider leaving their job because of a lack of flexibility.  

Satisfaction and loyalty

The recognition and trust a company offers its employees by allowing flexibility makes employees happier and more satisfied with their work(Read more about building happiness at work). They are less likely to look for another job if they feel good where they are. Flexibility therefore helps reduce staff turnover.

Attracting talent

A company that emphasizes flexibility attracts more talent, which increases its competitiveness. Today's candidates are more demanding in terms of working conditions, and are looking for a dynamic, adaptive environment.

Reducing absenteeism

Absenteeism is costly for a company, and flexibility helps reduce the number of absences. In fact, flexibility reduces the rate of absenteeism due to mental ill-being, as it helps to reduce stress and achieve a better life balance. What's more, telecommuting enables employees who are temporarily unable to travel to continue working. This reduces the number of sick days and unplanned absences. Telecommuting also means employees don't have to take days off when they need to be at home, for example when their child is ill. The sandwich generation (aged 40-59), who have to juggle children who are not yet independent and elderly parents, are the ones most in need of flexibility at work. Indeed, 83% of 40-59 year-olds are calling for more flexible working hours(Opinionway survey), as it is difficult for this generation to be present for their loved ones with inflexible schedules.  

Flexible working and corporate culture

Building confidence

Employees feel valued when the company they work for places its trust in them. An employer who offers flexibility shows that he believes in his employees' ability to work independently and with discipline, without the need for rigid supervision. This flexibility demonstrates the employer's confidence in his employees' ability to manage time effectively. In turn, this strengthens employees' trust in the company, creating a working environment where everyone feels respected and motivated to give their best.

Innovation and creativity

A less rigid work environment frees up everyone's creativity and encourages innovation. When employees have fewer constraints, they are more inclined to come up with bold ideas without fear of making mistakes. This freedom encourages initiative and stimulates creativity, helping the company to consider new perspectives and test innovative solutions.

Team spirit and collaboration

Digital tools facilitate the effective integration of teleworkers into the team. Video-conferencing meetings and discussion platforms provide spaces for maintaining a continuous link between all team members. This strengthens interpersonal relations and fosters close collaboration, even at a distance, enabling everyone to contribute actively and feel fully integrated into the collective.

SPART is an ideal application for companies that value flexibility in the workplace. Indeed, thanks to its encouragement of physical and sporting activities, SPART encourages employees to get together around shared activities. What's more, its discussion area encourages exchange between teams, significantly strengthening team cohesion.  

Promote team cohesion with SPART!

FAQ: Flexible working and well-being

1. What are the main types of flexible working?

There are many forms of flexible working, including flexitime, telecommuting, part-time work, job sharing, task flexibility and sabbaticals. Each of these modalities enables employees to better balance their professional and personal lives by adjusting their working hours and location to suit their needs.

2. How does flexible working help reduce employee stress?

Flexible working reduces stress by cutting commuting times and offering flexible schedules. It helps reduce pressure on employees and offers a better balance between personal and professional life. These measures enable employees to better manage their time and responsibilities, thus reducing work-related stress.

3. What are the physical benefits of flexible working?

Flexible working improves physical health by facilitating the practice of physical and sporting activities. This helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and improves employees' general physical condition.

4. How does flexible working influence employee productivity?

Flexible working increases productivity by enabling employees to choose the times and places where they are most effective, and by boosting their motivation. By working in conditions that suit them better, employees can concentrate more and complete more tasks efficiently.

5. Why is flexible working important for retaining and attracting talent?

Flexible working is crucial to retaining and attracting talent, as it meets the new expectations of employees seeking a better work-life balance. By offering flexible working conditions, companies can increase employee loyalty, satisfaction and commitment, while attracting new talent.

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As you can see, flexible working is the magic ingredient for boosted well-being, maximized performance and a happy team.

So why not integrate it into your business right now?

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By Candice Lhomme

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