What Are the Benefits of Flexible Work Schedules?

Many employers offer benefits to their employees in addition to salaries, such as flexible work schedules. Flexible work arrangements can offer an array of advantages to company leaders, including higher retention and productivity rates. Employees also often appreciate having flexible schedules, as it can make it easier for them to enjoy a work-life balance and support their own health. 

In this article, we explain the various types of flexible job arrangements, discuss the benefits of flexible work schedules for both employees and managers and offer tips on how staff members can handle this flexibility.

What are the different types of flexible work schedules?

Flexible work schedules can refer to working flexible hours, flexible work locations or a combination of the two. Here's a brief explanation of some of the most common types of flexible work schedules: 

• Flex-time: Flexible time or flex-time for short is a schedule that allows employees to work outside of the traditional business hours of 9 a.m.-5 p.m. At some organizations, flex-time means that employees can start their workdays earlier or later while still completing eight-hour shifts, while at others, employees receive full control over setting the hours they work. 

• Compressed: A compressed work schedule means that employees work longer hours for each shift so that they can get more regular time off. For example, a company might allow employees to work nine-hour shifts four days a week so that they can have regular half days of work. 

• Remote: With a remote work schedule, employees can perform their responsibilities virtually rather than at a designated work location. 

• Part-time: A part-time schedule means that employees work fewer than 40 hours per week. These employees  may or may not receive benefits that sometimes come with full-time compensation packages, such as health insurance or paid time off. 

• Hybrid: A hybrid schedule means that employees work part time at a designated location and part time remotely. Depending on the company, managers or hybrid employees might choose which days staff members work on-site.

Related: How To Get a Flexible Job Schedule

What are the benefits of flexible work schedules for employees?

Flexible work schedules offer a number of advantages for employees. A few of the most common include:

Work-life balance

Work-life balance refers to an employee's ability to both physically and emotionally manage their various career, social and personal responsibilities. When employees have control over when or where they work, they often improve their work-life balance. For example, rather than needing to take time off for a doctor's appointment, you could simply shift your work hours to accommodate the appointment without using PTO or sick days.

Related: 10 Effective Tips for a Better Work-Life Balance

Professional development

Flexible scheduling often makes it much easier for employees to continue their education or take part in professional development opportunities. For instance, an employee with flexible work hours can schedule their classes around their job shifts. As another example, a staff member with remote work capabilities could perform their duties virtually when attending a conference or workshop out of town.

Related: What Is Professional Development? Definition and Examples

Organizational value

Employees who have flexible work schedules often feel more highly valued by their companies. When your company offers flexible work arrangements, it can demonstrate that they care about not only your job performance, but also your mental and emotional well-being. If you feel valued and supported by your company, you might feel more interested in staying with the company long-term.

Related: 15 Ways of How To Make Employees Feel Valued At Work

Health

Employees who benefit from a flexible work schedule may have better health for a few reasons:

• Support: Companies who offer flexible work schedules may be more likely to be supportive of their employees adjusting schedules to accommodate illness or doctor appointments.

• Access: With a flexible schedule, you can get to the doctor without having to take time off work.

• Preventative care: Employees who have flexible work schedules can seek preventative care more readily than those who would have to take time off work, which helps you maintain good health.

• Remote work: If you are sick, you can choose to work remotely rather than taking a day off or shift your work hours to later in the day to rest.

Related: 13 Tips To Help You Stay Healthy at Work

Satisfaction

Employees who have flexible work schedules might feel more satisfied with their jobs. When you're more satisfied with your job, you may find it more enjoyable to interact with colleagues, go to work and perform your duties. Higher job satisfaction can also lead to higher productivity and engagement. 

Related: 9 Types of Flexible Working Arrangements

What are the benefits of flexible work schedules for managers?

Flexible work schedules are beneficial for not just employees, but also for managers and organizations overall. Here are some of the primary benefits of flexible work arrangements for supervisors and company leaders:

Engagement

Many managers might find that their employees are more engaged with their work when they have flexible arrangements. Giving employees the ability to choose when or where they complete their duties can help them focus on tasks when they feel both physically and mentally prepared rather than performing their responsibilities on a pre-determined schedule. Higher employee engagement may offer other benefits too, including high-quality performance and more creativity when solving problems.

Related: 15 Motivation Strategies for Staying Engaged at Work

Recruitment

Offering flexible work schedules can be a great recruitment strategy. Some talented candidates may seek positions with flexible schedules when applying for jobs. To maximize the benefits of this recruitment strategy, organizations that offer flexible arrangements may want to advertise this in their open job posts or on their careers web page. 

Related: How To Create a Recruitment Strategy in 12 Steps

Retention

Employees may choose to stay with their company for the long term when offered a flexible work schedule. Having a higher employee retention rate can allow you to nurture a professional environment where your department or company evolves with its employees. A good retention rate can lead to other benefits too, like a company culture of innovation and better productivity. 

Related: 9 Key Employee Retention Metrics To Track

Productivity

Many managers see their employees' productivity levels increase when on a flexible work schedule. Employees with flexible work situations can prioritize their job tasks based on their current focus or energy levels, which can help them work faster while optimizing the quality of their job performance. Higher productivity often leads to increased work performance and higher sales for the company. 

Related: 15 Examples of How To Increase Productivity in the Workplace

Attendance

When given the option to choose flexible work hours or to work remotely, employees might take fewer days off. An employee with a flexible schedule who has medical appointments to attend, for example, can simply book those appointments around their shifts rather than taking time off. Reduced absenteeism can save the organization money in paid time off and help keep productivity high.

Related: How To Encourage Workplace Attendance

Expenses

Flexible work schedules may help lower some expenses. For example, companies often spend less on overhead expenses like office rentals, administrative supplies, utilities and snacks. Flexible work schedules may also reduce how much an organization spends on some HR benefits, such as paid time off or sick leave. 

Related: Flexible Work Policies: Definition, Types and Tips

Tips for managing a flexible work schedule

Employees who work on an off-hours schedule or who work remotely have far more flexibility than traditional employees. Ensure you manage your time well while working a flexible schedule with these tips:

• Communicate regularly: Since you're not in the office with your coworkers and supervisors every day, it's important to maintain regular communication to make sure you're aware of any new assignments or work goals.

• Ensure clarity: When beginning your flexible work schedule, make sure you know what the expectations are for your work. Ask questions as they come up to ensure you're meeting all set objectives.

• Be flexible: Know that you may need to be flexible for company obligations like meetings or training. Try your best to put those work needs before personal needs, particularly during traditional business hours.

• Understand your goals: Make sure you know what your quotas and goals are so that you can meet your obligations if you're working off hours from your team or manager.

• Know yourself: Establish a schedule for yourself that aligns with your most productive hours. For example, if you work best early in the morning, make that your primary work time rather than waiting until later in the day.

• Establish a routine: Create a routine for yourself that you follow every day to ensure you're productive and meet your goals.