Many old-school companies think that flexible work options are a reward rather than a perk to which every employee is entitled. However, forward-thinking businesses know that if they want to keep their employees happy, they must do things differently than they have in the past.

Several studies have been done in the past few years about the desire for flexible work environments. In almost all of them, the survey respondents say that they prefer workplaces with a flexible schedule. In many of the studies, respondents said they would do without certain perks if it meant having a more accommodating work life.

This article will outline some of the many benefits of giving employees a work schedule that accommodates their busy lives and personal interests. It will talk about some of the reasons why many employees much prefer workplaces that give them flexibility perks such as opportunities to telecommute from home some of the time.

Why Do So Many People Want a Flexible Work Life?

Work/Life Balance: Workers have a lot of reasons for wanting more flexibility in their work life. Many business experts call this desire for flexibility “work-life balance.” Nowadays, employees in the average company are no longer just expected to work 9-5, Monday through Friday. Many weeks, some people must work 50, 60 or even more hours, depending on the needs or desires of their employers.

Many younger people have seen their parents work these types of crazy schedules and they want none of that. For this reason, they enter the workforce wanting a work schedule that accommodates the many facets of their lives. Many popular online personalities such as Chris Guillebeau encourage their readers to think outside the box when it comes to charting the course of their careers. As a result, many millennial workers are demanding more flexibility from their employers as a condition of employment.

Health and Family: Not every worker who wants more flexibility in their work life is a millennial. Some employees who are slightly older want an accommodating work schedule because they have children that they don’t want to stick in a daycare center for hours on end while they work. Other workers put health and fitness at the top of their personal priorities list. Some employees may want a flexible work schedule so that they can train for athletic events like a marathon or an Ironman triathlon.

Stress from Commutes and Office Politics: In an ideal world, every employee would live within a 10-minute walking distance from their employer. However, this isn’t always the case. An ideal world would also have work spaces where every single person got along with the next. This isn’t the case, either. By employers allowing their employees some opportunities to work outside of the office, they will often get an increased level of focus and attention from their workers on important projects. Employers may also see an increased level of employee morale.

Are There Any Benefits to Having a Flexible Work Environment?

Many companies around the country have taken the lead in giving their employees work schedules that accommodate some of their personal wants and needs. For example, according to Nu Skin company reviews, the employees at Utah’s Nu Skin sing the praises of their employer due to a flexible schedule and welcoming environment.

Some of the benefits that employers could gain from accommodating their employees’ schedules include the following:

  • Reducing the carbon footprint of employees (due to less commuting)
  • Increased levels of employee loyalty
  • Creating loyal employee ambassadors
  • Reducing turnover rates
  • Happier workspace (more telecommuting equals less time with troublesome co-workers)
  • More focused employees