Why Do Many Workers Look for a Flexible Schedule?

Looking for every method to improve employee performance, companies are now overhauling their schedules. Some businesses are ditching the standard 9-to-5 and trying a flexible schedule.

The concept largely comes down to the time when employees start and end their days. Workers can choose those hours, helping to better manage the work-life balance.

Several company owners feel that traditional office rules are too strict, and that they may do more harm than good to employees.

Employers also worry that strict expectations may rule out many qualified candidates. Millennials in particular are looking for these open schedules. A Bentley University study in 2014 found 77 percent think flexible work hours help their productivity.

With the rigors of life getting in the way, millions of employees say they want flexible hours in the workplace. Employers have been slow to pick up on the idea. Few company owners are willing to offer a flexible work schedule to their workers.

For the most part, people are looking for fewer work hours and more control over their personal lives.

We’ve already seen how how negative mental health can affect work performance. Unfortunately, those in charge don’t seem to realize the similar effects by not offering flexible work hours. That lack of freedom can create an undesirable work environment for everyone within the company.

The standard work schedule could even turn off potential hires. Qualified candidates may be more likely to choose a company that offers freedom within the schedule.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that over 25 million Americans are working part-time. Many of these people either can’t or don’t want to commit to a 9-to-5 job. These people may include college students or parents who want more time at home.

When it comes to flexible schedules, the demographic of students and parents accounts for at least 6 million people. Most of them choose part-time work because it enables them to pursue their passions. Others simply don’t want to work long hours in a full-time job that they just don’t like.

People like the flexibility to help meet personal obligations and life responsibilities.

For some, the flexible work schedule may allow them to attend parent-teacher conferences. Others may create room in their schedule to catch a yoga class, which can improve work performance. Even a random choice to work from home can help with day-to-day problems, like waiting for a package or home repairs.

Many employees are choosing to work remotely full-time, easily fitting into a flexible schedule.

According to the 2017 U.S. Census, over 5 percent of workers in the U.S. do their job from home. With control over both their schedule and work environment, morale increases for telecommuters. Companies are only expected to offer the remote freedom more in the future, thanks to a plethora of benefits.

But, this doesn’t mean the flexible work schedule comes without hurdles.

An office used to collaboration may struggle with employees clocking in at different times. Office managers also need to find new ways to monitor workers. This gets even more difficult for remote employees, who can abuse the freedom.

As more aspiring employees look for freedom in their schedules, companies need to decide if those benefits are worth some hassle.

Do you have any other questions to improve your office environment? Passport Health can help! Give us a call at or fill out a contact form for more information.

Written for Passport Health by Jerry Olsen. He has over 15 years of combined experience as a writer and editor in Salt Lake City. Jerry’s writing topics range from health care, travel, life science to medical technology and technical writing.