3 Ways Flexible Working Will Improve Your Wellbeing
13 Feb, 20231-2 minutes
The Covid-19 pandemic introduced many changes in the workplace, but none more prevelant than the opportunity for flexible working.
According to the Office for National Statistics, the proportion of workers splitting their time between the office and working from home has been rising in 2022, whilst the number of people working exclusively from home has fallen.
The opportunity for flexible working is down to individual employers. Whilst some businesses prefer employees to adhere to scheduled hours in the office, flexible working has enlightened others to the benefits of a happier, more productive workforce.
With this said, here are 3 ways flexible working can improve your wellbeing:
Reduced commute related stress
The commute to work can sometimes be a stressful experience. Whether you drive your own vehicle or rely on public transport, factors beyond your control, such as a road closure or adverse weather, can cause anxiety.
Flexible hours allow you to avoid peak traffic times and therefore reduce the risk of a stressful commute. Hybrid working on the other hand gives you at least a couple of days a week where you can completely eliminate the pressure of commuting.
Not only can flexible working result in a calmer start to your day, you will also be able to save on the costs of petrol or public transport. That being said, the rising cost in energy bills could mean that these savings will be swallowed up quickly.
On days when you can’t avoid the rush hour commute, organising your outfit and lunch the evening before will help you to leave the house quickly and stress free.
If you use public transport, check the timetable before your journey so you can make alternative arrangements if there is a problem.
Allows you more time to spend with loved ones
Flexible working gives you more control over the time you spend with family and friends and an overall better work-life balance.
Face-to-face communication with loved ones has been found to significantly reduce the occurrence of depression and anxiety, making this vital for your wellbeing.
Having time to speak with people you trust is also a good way to get things off your chest if something is playing on your mind.
As the saying goes, ‘a problem shared is a problem halved’. Speaking to a loved one can help you to see things from a different perspective and relieve some of the pressure you might be feeling.
If flexible working leaves you with spare time either side of your working hours, use this wisely. Why not arrange to meet up with a friend, run yourself a relaxing bath or head to the gym? Physical activity releases feel-good hormones which are great for your wellbeing!
Increases productivity
As of 2022, around 4.27 million employees in the United Kingdom had employment contracts allowing for flexible working hours.
A survey carried out by Airtasker concluded that employees with a flexible schedule, worked on average 1.4 more days every month than those with a traditional office job.
One of the main reasons for this is that not everyone is productive at the same time of day. Think about it, are you someone who wakes up feeling super productive or does it take you a while to get into the swing of things?
Scheduling work according to the hours you are at your most productive allows you to work smarter, not harder.
Increased productivity could result in you hitting more targets, which will reward you with the satisfaction of succeeding in your role. This feeling is great for your wellbeing!
Whilst flexible working won’t appeal to all employers, those who are able to accommodate it are likely to notice a difference in their teams overall productivity and happiness.
Who is Spencer Clarke Group?
Since 2017, we've been changing the face of recruitment. From our employees, to the way we do business, to the culture within our office, we're determined to make a difference and create a positive impact on everyone around us.
Recruitment to us isn't just about matching candidates and clients; we’re passionate about finding candidates the perfect job which has the ability to boost their salary and standard of living, better their work life balance and improve their mental health.
Similarly, we understand the impact which an experienced and skilled employee can make to a business and we love seeing clients thrive through the hard work of candidates which we have placed with them.
We operate in two sectors:
In eleven specialisms:
Healthcare, Social Care & Nursing
Corporate Functions & Business Support
Planning, Development & Regeneration
Highways, Infrastructure & Engineering
If you’re searching for a new role, why not visit our job page to take a look at the latest opportunities? Alternatively, upload your CV and one of our experienced consultants will contact you when a relevant opportunity becomes available.
If you’re struggling to fill a role, why don’t you give us a call on 01772 954200 to see how we can help? One of our consultants will be happy to listen to the challenges which you are facing and advise on the best possible solution for you.
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