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Millions of working Americans have flexibility at work on their wish list. But building flexibility into your workforce should be viewed as more than just a perk for employees. Consider three ways it benefits your business.

1. Increased Productivity

Studies show that flexibility at work improves productivity by as much as 39%. Increased productivity contributes to increased profits. There are many reasons employees are more effective, including:

  • Ability to work in a location that minimizes distractions and interruptions
  • Ability to work during shifts when they can accomplish the most
  • Reduction in stress levels associated with commuting, workplace conflict, or other environmental factors

2. Fewer Unscheduled Absences

Flexibility-at-work programs can reduce absenteeism by as much at 60%. When employees can achieve work-life balance and still get their work done outside of normal office hours, time missed at work is reduced. Instead of calling off and missing an entire day at work, employees can adjust their work location or schedule to care for a variety of needs, including:

  • Caregiving for aging parents or sick children
  • Fulfilling personal or family responsibilities
  • Personal health issues
  • Getting needed rest, which ultimately improves work performance

3. Stress Reduction

Stress levels automatically go up for employees who experience a life or family crisis. And if those workers know their employer won’t allow flexibility in work hours or work location, their stress increases. Reports show that the stress level is doubled for employees who don’t have work options. Stress affects employees’ ability to concentrate, reduces their energy level, and stifles work performance.

When staff members are allowed time away from the workplace without having to use all of their vacation time to do it, their mental and physical well-being improve. Your employees want to work, so giving them choices to complete their work earlier or later than their usual work schedule—or in an alternate location—can have a positive effect on their health and their work performance.

Don’t let their temporary absence in the office increase your own anxiety. There are many ways for remote collaboration, including:

  • E-mail
  • Instant messages
  • Task management tools
  • Texts
  • Video conferencing
  • Web conferencing

Get Expert Advice from a Staffing Consultant

Rigid work practices could be costing your business a lot of time and money. Implementing workplace flexibility can include accurately forecasting your staffing needs, and adding a few team members in key departments or positions.

Priority One Staffing offers expert consulting and solutions that can help your team keep up with its changing demands. Check out client success stories, and contact us to learn how we can help your business thrive.


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