Benefits of flexible working for health

Flexible working arrangements are becoming increasingly popular, with many employers offering some form of flexibility to their employees. There are many benefits of flexible working, both for the employer and the employee. One of the key benefits is that it can help to improve mental health and wellbeing.

What is flexible working?

Flexible working is an arrangement where employees can have a degree of control over when, where and how they work. This can include working from home, working part-time or having flexible hours.

There are many benefits of flexible working, both for employees and employers. Employees can enjoy greater work-life balance, increased productivity and improved mental health. Employers can benefit from reduced absenteeism, improved retention rates and a more engaged workforce.

Why did flexible working become popular?

Flexible working became popular due to advances in technology, which made it easier for people to work remotely. The internet and cloud-based software meant that employees could access work files and systems from anywhere. This made it possible for people to work from home, or from other locations outside of the office.

With the COVID pandemic, many employers have been forced to adopt flexible working arrangements. This is because traditional office-based work became increasingly difficult, and in some cases, impossible. With people working from home, there has been a need for employers to provide more flexible working arrangements.

How can I implement my own flexible working arrangements?

If you're interested in implementing your own flexible working arrangements, there are a few things to consider. First, you'll need to check with your employer to see if they offer any flexibility. Many employers are now offering some form of flexible working, so it's definitely worth asking.

If your employer doesn't offer flexible working, you could try negotiating your own arrangements. This might involve working from home one or two days a week, or changing your hours to better suit your lifestyle. Making a plan for your flexible working arrangements is key to making them work for both you and your employer.

Whatever you decide, it's important to remember that flexible working arrangements should work for both you and your employer.

What if my work doesn't let me have flexible working arrangements?

If your work doesn't let you have flexible working arrangements, there are still things you can do to improve your work-life balance. You can try to negotiate with your employer for more flexible hours or working from home. You can also look for a job that offers more flexibility.

Flexible working arrangements are becoming increasingly common as employees and employers alike recognise the benefits. If you're looking for a way to improve your work-life balance, talk to your employer about flexible working options.

What are the benefits of flexible working?

Flexible working arrangements can help you achieve a better work-life balance.

If you have young children, flexible working can enable you to spend more time with them while still being able to earn an income. For example, you might be able to arrange your hours around school drop-offs and pick-ups, or work from home one or two days a week.

Flexible working can also help you manage other commitments outside of work, such as caring for elderly parents or undertaking further study.

A better work-life balance can lead to improved mental health and wellbeing. It can also help you to be more productive at work, as you’ll have more energy and focus when you are there.

Flexible working arrangements can also benefit employers. For example, they can reduce absenteeism, as employees are less likely to take time off if they have a good work-life balance. They can also improve retention rates, as employees will be less likely to leave if they are happy with their working arrangements. Employers may also find that flexible working leads to a more engaged workforce.

How do flexible working arrangements benefit sleep?

Flexible working arrangements can benefit sleep in a number of ways. First, they can help to reduce the conflict between work and personal life. This can lead to less stress and anxiety, which can in turn improve sleep quality.

Flexible working arrangements can also help employees to get more sleep. For example, if employees are able to work from home, they can avoid the need to commute. This can give them back precious time in their day that can be used for sleep.

Flexible working arrangements can also help employees to better manage their time. This can lead to improved time management skills, which can in turn benefit sleep. People with better time management skills are less likely to be up late cramming the night before an important presentation!

Why are flexible working arrangements good for mental health?

Flexible working can have a positive impact on mental health. Employees who have control over their working hours and environment are more likely to be engaged in their work and have a better work-life balance. This can lead to reduced stress levels and improved mental wellbeing.

Flexible working can also help those who have mental health conditions by reducing the number of triggers they experience. For example, if you have anxiety, working from home might help to reduce your exposure to triggers such as crowded public transport or stressful work environments.

Having a good work-life balance is crucial as it can help to prevent burnout. Burnout is a state of physical, mental and emotional exhaustion that can be caused by work-related stress. It can lead to feelings of cynicism, detachment and a lack of achievement.

Burnout can have a significant impact on mental health, so it’s important to take steps to prevent it.

Flexible working also gives you more time to do things you love outside of work, which can help to improve your mental wellbeing. For example, if you have more time to exercise or spend time with friends and family, you’ll likely feel happier and less stressed.

Key takeaways

IF YOU’RE EXPERIENCING PERSISTENT DISRUPTIONS TO YOUR SLEEP, CONSULT WITH A PHARMACIST OR TRUSTED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL TO DISCUSS POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS.

Any advice provided in this content is of a general nature and does not take into account your objectives, health or needs. The information in this post is not intended to substitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be exclusively relied on to diagnose or manage a medical condition. You need to consider the appropriateness of any information or general advice we give you, having regard to your personal situation, before acting on our advice or purchasing any over-the-counter sleep product.

Peter ShakespeareFebruary 6, 2024