When we talk about flexible working, we’re talking about the ability to choose your own schedule, working environment and routine whilst concentrating on your goals in the way that works best for you.
It’s a hot topic right now, especially in the UK, with research showing that 98% of British people consider a work/life balance as a priority. But only one-third of them actually have achieved the perfect balance.
In 2014 the right to request flexible working was extended to ALL UK employees, meaning that employers need to allow staff to have more flexibility when it comes to managing health, personal life and much more. Whether that includes medication, gym membership, doctors appointments or errands, it helps people create their own routine and set their own hours.
Flexible working is used to describe a variety of different styles of working including part-time, remote working, flexi-time, job sharing and much more. When it comes to the working week, everyone is different. Some of us are early risers and some of us are night owls, meaning people can work at their optimum times with flexible working.
Work and Stress
Work is cited as one of the main factors of stress in life, alongside money and health. Whether it’s tight deadlines looming, high-pressure days and countless back to back meetings – job stress can be made even worse when it clashes with demanding personal commitments or issues.
Flexible working is the perfect solution for both employees and employers, striking that balance that increases work productivity and staff morale. People are able to carry out the school run, pop to the car garage, get the laundry done all within flexible day to day working hours that fit with their personal schedule.
Giving staff a say in where and when they work, helps them juggle their personal and professional lives better meaning it is less likely to clash with work commitments. Office suites similar to the ones that we offer enable a professional class environment with the right equipment, whilst offering the ultimate flexibility.
Flexible working and Mental Health
As well as being practical, flexible working offers the control that people need when it comes to managing mental health and improving it. Even simple changes like people being able to set their start and finish time can do the world of good.
A survey by Regus found that staff are more motivated when they have flexi-working too and results in a lot less sick days.
Being able to set your working hours can also affect your sleep, something that can make a huge difference to a person’s mental health. A rigid work schedule such as the 9-5 can result in consistent tiredness, lethargy and burnout.
As well as sleep, your eating habits are improved when offered flexible working. You have more time for breakfast, (the most important meal of the day!) and it means fewer lunches or dinners on the go at the desk! Taking time to properly eat three meals a day can improve health and well-being, as well as having time to think and process the day.
A Summary
Flexible working is intuitive, efficient and sensible. Flexible working can promote a healthy cycle, making an employee more productive, professional and happier. It truly is a win-win.
And with working spaces like the ones we offer, it can be done seamlessly, practically and at low-cost.