WORKING 9 TO 5?

Looking for a work schedule that can improve your health, enhance your relationships, reduce stress, enhance productivity, and possibly even combat climate change? Aren’t we all? Turns out, all this is possible through the power of flexible work. As in, no more nine to five (unless, of course, that works for you!).

Thanks to modern advancements such as electricity, computers, and reliable transportation, the world operates on a 24-hour schedule, and people like it that way. You can stream favorite shows at any hour. If you’re hungry at midnight, your local diner is open 24 hours. Walk into a hospital ER at three am on Saturday and you’re guaranteed to find a crowd. The concept that most Americans punch in at nine am and head home for dinner at five pm is a dated one, and work schedules are beginning to reflect that at an ever-increasing rate.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that flexible work doesn’t mean minimal work. People still need to earn a living, and no one debates the benefits of getting a paycheck. It’s just that flexible work schedules acknowledge there’s not a one-size-fits-all approach to a career anymore.

Flexible work can include:

??Fully remote or work-from-anywhere work

? Compressed work weeks such as four 10-hour shifts or three 12-hour shifts

??Alternative schedule jobs working second or third shift

??Part-time employment (typically less than 30 hours a week)

? Temporary or seasonal work

??Gigs such as working events or rideshares

A 2019 survey conducted by a leading provider in alternative workspaces found that 80% of people say they would choose a job that offered flexible hours over one that didn’t. To retain and attract top talent, companies have responded accordingly with more than 80% of them offering a flexible workspace policy.

In 2020, the pandemic meant that work flexibility became not only the norm but a requirement for many businesses. Over the last couple of years both employees and companies have discovered the many benefits of creating a more flexible work environment.

According to Kate Lister, the president of Global Workplace Analytics, it’s forecasted that 25-30% of the US workforce will be working from home one or more days a week after the pandemic.

Here are just a few of the benefits of flexible work for employees:

??Productivity increases when the focus is on getting work done versus hours spent in the office

??Stress levels go down as workers find more time for caregiving, hobbies, and exercise

? Increased job satisfaction, more motivation, and a better sense of control

Employers have discovered the benefits of flexible work, too:

??Easier to attract a more diverse, talented workforce

? Improvement in staff retention rates

? Potential to offer more flexibility for customers

? Reduction in the number of sick days or time spent away from work

? Improved employee morale and productivity

Additionally, flexible work benefits can reach far beyond the workplace, including:

??Less traffic means better air quality and reduced stress on infrastructure

??Better work/life balance allows people more time for volunteer opportunities

??Stronger family units with caretakers able to spend more time with loved ones

? Increased options in real estate when living close to the office is less of an issue

It’s clear that flexible work schedules are the way of the future. And it’s easy to see why. If you’re looking to change jobs, consider asking about the company’s usual work arrangements during your next interview. Or, if you’d simply want to change up the way you work in your current career, talk to your manager or human resources about the many benefits added flexibility can offer employees, employers, and customers. You may be surprised to find out just how flexible your work schedule can be!

Looking for a wide array of flexible work opportunities with a team that supports your ongoing success? Check here first!