Is Flexible Work a Mental Health Benefit?
4 minute read
As companies revisit return-to-office mandates, the workplace continues to evolve. Many organizations are reassessing their office policies, with some adopting permanent hybrid models and others moving away from mandatory office attendance, making the conversation about flexible work and its impact on mental health more timely than ever.
Flexible work options, which range from remote work to flexible hours, emerged as a significant shift following the pandemic, when employers were forced to reevaluate their work practices due to COVID-19 lockdowns. The widespread adoption of remote work during that period prompted many organizations, including BSI, to continue offering flexible options even after the pandemic subsided. This shift was driven largely by factors like technological advances, the growing demand for work-life balance, and the need to attract top talent in an increasingly competitive market. But amidst this transformation, an interesting question remains: Is flexible work considered a mental health benefit?
The Growing Demand for Flexibility
Across the U.S., employees are increasingly prioritizing flexible work options. Studies show that over 70% of employees would prefer to work for an employer that offers flexible hours (1). Coincidentally, companies that have enforced rigid return-to-office mandates have seen turnover rates 13% higher than those that support remote work policies, according to ZipRecruiter. This demand stems from employees wanting to manage their personal responsibilities, such as picking up children from school or attending medical appointments, without sacrificing work performance or taking time off. Having more flexibility to get their work done outside the parameters of working 9-5 empowers employees with a sense of control over their work environment and schedule. This autonomy fosters feelings of ownership and responsibility, leading to increased job satisfaction and reduced stress.
The Link Between Flexibility and Mental Health
Mental health challenges, often fueled by job-related stress and rigid work schedules, have long been widespread and prevalent. The 2024 State of Workplace Empathy Survey revealed that 89% of employees consider flexible hours, and 84% consider remote work options, as key mental health benefits (2). These options allow employees to work in a way that suits their personal and professional lives. What’s interesting is despite their high demand, employees are more likely to cite flexible work arrangements as a sought after benefit compared to mental health benefits, such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), due to concerns about stigma, cost, or accessibility.
“At BSI, we view flexible work as a vital mental health benefit. By offering employees control over their schedules, we help reduce stress, prevent burnout, and improve overall well-being. In today’s fast-paced world, flexibility is no longer just a perk but a critical part of supporting employee mental health.”
– Jill Pittenger, VP, People and Culture
Can Flexible Work Apply to Every Role?
When looking at different job related roles and responsibilities, every job is different. However, there is a way to add a bit of flexibility to nearly every role, whether it’s in terms of hours, location, or having the ability to take care of personal matters without reprimand. A one-size-fits-all approach isn’t necessary. At BSI, we offer varying levels of flexibility across teams and personal circumstances. For example, our data analytics team comes into the office twice a week, while different account teams have varying in-office schedules. We recognize that many team members, both men and women, have responsibilities such as dropping off or picking up children from school or daycare, or assisting with transporting elderly parents to medical appointments. The key is finding the right balance for each team by assessing both the company’s and employees’ needs, and making adjustments accordingly.
More Balance, Less Stress
When employees have greater control over their time, they are better able to achieve a healthier work-life balance. This balance is essential for mental health, helping employees feel more rested, focused, and less overwhelmed. Flexible work is no longer just a perk, it’s a vital component of a workplace culture that prioritizes employee well-being.
As employers continue to recognize the connection between flexibility and employee health, it’s clear that offering flexible work schedules is not merely a trend but a necessary mental health benefit that employees increasingly expect and seek.