Stress Less, Flex!

Mental health has oft been overlooked when it comes to considering one’s overall health, especially in relation to work. Aside from the physical aspects, it is important we maintain our sanity especially when work is in the picture.

Something that can help us do this is to strike a good work-life balance. One way we can achieve this is by incorporating a more flexible schedule at work, which allows us to come into work early and leave early or come in late and leave late.

This is known as flextime

Flextime arrangements may vary but generally allow employees to come in and leave work at a time that is more conducive for them, while still fulfilling the required hours. These arrangements let them use their time more efficiently and fulfill their personal obligations outside work.

Benefits for employers

Although some employers may see this as a step back in terms of productivity, research has shown that workplaces that are more flexible with their working hours have employees who produce better quality work.

Apart from that, flextime also proves to decrease turnover as well as absenteeism rates. Organisations that accommodate their employees’ busy and unpredictable lives are what many people look for in a job nowadays.

Benefits for employees

Employees undoubtedly benefit from flextime since they are able to commute to and from work at a time that is convenient for them, allowing them to avoid stressors like rush hour.

Flextime also lets employees work at a time they can be most efficient and focused in their work, leaving them feeling accomplished and satisfied.

Employees will be able to give their complete focus to work without worrying about their personal responsibilities outside of work and whether or not they will reach work “on time”.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, flextime appears to introduce a more relaxed atmosphere at work, which can help employees focus better.

Although some employers may not see the appeal of implementing this in their workplace, the long-term benefits of flextime are evident since successful powerhouses such as Google and Accenture are proponents of flextime for their employees.

Tara is an intern at Leaderonomics who is learning the ropes of working life. Hopefully, she’ll be able to master finding the best work-life balance at the end of her programme with enough experience. Drop us a line or two in the comment box below or email us at editor@leaderonomics.com. For more Try This articles, click here.

 
Published in English daily The Star, Malaysia, 14 February 2015