Professionals cite less stress and better mental health as the ‘top’ benefits of flexible work arrangements, according to Deloitte’s Workplace Flexibility Survey released just yesterday. The survey of 1,000 white-collar professionals reveals that the majority of US employees are taking advantage of flexible work options to support their wellbeing, despite the perceived consequences to their professional development.
The research shows that nearly all respondents say they would benefit from work flexibility (94%), with the top advantage being less stress/improved mental health (43%), followed by better integration of work and personal life (38%).
Amongst the professionals whose company offers flexible work options, 82% say they have used them – mainly flexible work hours (48%) and remote work/work from home (41%). Compressed workweeks and part time scheduling, however, were cited as the least used options, at 7% and 6% respectively.
EMPOWERED WORKERS
Flexible work options can empower workers to decide when and where they work, according to Deloitte. “In today’s fast-paced and always on world, people are taking more control of their own wellbeing,” commented Jen Fisher, Chief Wellbeing Officer at Deloitte. “Our survey suggests that more people are using flexible workplace programmes, even though they have lingering concerns about the potential consequences to their professional development.”
While 1 in 3 respondents say that nothing would prevent them from taking advantage of flexible work options, another nearly 30% say potential consequences to their professional growth and lack of trust from leadership would. The survey also reveals that 80% of professionals agree a traditional work setting, defined as regular attendance at an office or working normal business hours, is important for advancing their career.
LEADERSHIP IMPACT
Still, professionals aren’t deterred from taking advantage of these programmes and look to leaders to foster a culture of wellbeing. In fact, more than half of professionals (52%) say the CEO/company leadership has the greatest impact on advancing flexibility within their organisation. “Each individual has their own unique needs in the workplace,” stated Deloitte’s Chief Inclusion Officer, Terri Cooper.
“Leaders can drive wellbeing within their organisation by taking an inclusive approach to work flexibility and offering options that meet a variety of diverse needs. Through adaptable programmes and supportive leadership, professionals will feel empowered to use flexible work options without fear of consequence.”
OTHER KEY TAKE AWAYS
Additional findings from the survey include:
- Over 70% of respondents say that their companies offer flexible work options, with the top three being: flexible work hours (44%), remote work (35%) and extended leave (34%).
- More than 8 in 10 (83%) professionals say that modern workplace communication tools – such as email, instant messaging or video conferencing – can blur the lines between work and personal life.
- More than half (53%) of the professionals do not believe that work flexibility will negatively impact team dynamics.
- Regarding flexible work options, 1 in 3 say it would increase their job satisfaction and morale, and almost 30% say it would increase their overall productivity or efficiency at work.
Click here for more information about the report.
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