4 professionals share why workplace flexibility is so important

August 6, 2024 5:30 AM

Father holding daughter's hand on the way to school; work bag; outside

Flexibility is a highly coveted part of today's workplace, and how much employees appreciate it is obvious when it comes to satisfaction, recruitment and retention.

A recent report from business management solutions company Businessolver found that 94% of employees said a flexible work hours policy was the best way for an employer to demonstrate empathy to their workforce, and 90% said flexible work location sent the same message. Eight out of 10 employees surveyed by job platform Flexjobs said more flexible work options would increase the loyalty they felt to their company, and data from remote job board Remote.co shows employers who do provide flexible work options have a 25% lower turnover rate.

"The value that flexibility from your employer brings to your life cannot be overstated," says Clare Jones, a marketing outreach manager. "The more you get from your employer, the more you give."

From caregiving to career growth to more time for rest, employees' ability to design their days around personal and professional responsibilities means they don't have to sacrifice one of the other, leading to improved overall well-being. According to a survey from Deloitte, workers listed the biggest perks of workplace flexibility as improved mental health and easier integration of work and outside priorities.

For Jones, the autonomy offered by her employer gives her the ability to prioritize being a mom, a partner and a friend. She and three other professionals discuss some specific ways workplace flexibility has positively impacted their lives.

Clare Jones, marketing outreach manager at Custom Neon

My manager has always allowed me flexible time to attend parent-teacher meetings, sports days and doctor appointments, but they have gone above and beyond this year.

I needed flexible working and unscheduled time off to be with a dear friend and her family as she lost her battle with cancer. And just recently my partner was taken to the hospital — he now can't drive for three months, and Custom Neon has been incredible in assisting me in navigating this, adjusting my hours for my children's school pick-ups and hospital appointments.

Both these situations have been extremely emotional and stressful, but the flexibility from work really alleviates some of these difficulties. I have never experienced this level of compassion, and I will never mind going above and beyond for my manager, my team, or Custom Neon, because I feel they do it for me.

Read more:

For women, flexible work is a non-negotiable

Celeste Routh, SEO strategist, podcast host and founder of The Elegance Edit blog

I have been fully remote for the past four years, and the ability to work from anywhere has enriched my life as a young professional. It means I'm not tied to a specific city just because that's where the company HQ is located.

This flexibility allows me to explore different parts of the country with ease. This year, I've spent time on both the East Coast and the West Coast, which has enriched my personal and professional network. During my stint in Seattle, I connected with professionals in the tech industry, while my time in DC opened doors to government contractors and consultants. Each location has provided me with unique connections that I wouldn't have gained if I had remained in one place.

Alyssa Cox, founder of Blue Swift Consulting

Throughout my career, I have enjoyed increasing levels of flexibility as my job and employer have changed. Today, I work full time from home, giving me the flexibility to help my kids get to where they need to go, whether it's school or extracurricular activities, attend doctors' visits, or spend time with family that lives out of town. It also allows me to do things that keep me balanced and effective — a 30-minute break between meetings can easily be turned into a quick workout or walk for my dog, allowing me to return to my desk refreshed and ready for the next challenge.

All of this is possible because I am judged on the basis of my work product, not on my time keeping. I also encourage members of my team to take advantage of workplace flexibility, in no small part by reminding them that what happened during the day or the week should be focused on outcomes, not on where they spent their time.

Read more:

Giving birth, then back to work: Supporting postpartum mental health

Stefano Lodola, owner of online language platform Think Languages

My team of researchers, language specialists, administrative assistants and outreach specialists, all from different countries across the world, work remotely.

This flexible remote work-from-home setup is helpful in pushing me to pursue a healthy work-life balance. This includes going to the gym, taking a quick stroll as a break from work, traveling and meeting with friends. Not to mention, I get to upskill more and take classes virtually. I am also able to master self-awareness and self-discipline and apply best strategies in keeping myself motivated and empowered to lead a team. Flexible work arrangements also allow me to invest in people, believe in their capacities to work with minimal supervision, and consequently grow my business digitally.