Flexible work helps social life and sleep
36 % of business professionals in Switzerland say that flexible working gives them the opportunity to get out of the office more often and meet other people.
Flexible workers have more active social lives, a new study shows. Workers confirm that when they can work closer to home, at least for certain hours, they have more opportunities to socialize and socialize with others. It was also clear from the survey that flexible workers shop more locally and contribute more to the local economy (41 %).
This study, commissioned by Regus, a provider of flexible workspace solutions, surveyed nearly 200 workers in Switzerland. It shows that flexible working closer to home helps develop a sense of community. This benefits local businesses, but people also have more frequent opportunities to meet friends and spend time with family. Flexible working is so important today that 86 % of workers expect it from any job.
Other important results:
- Those who can work closer to home also benefit from better health conditions, as half of respondents reported getting more sleep without the long commute (48 %).
- Also half said that a shorter commute left more time for healthier eating (48 %).
- Flexible working can also put a little more space between annoying coworkers: 29 % said that they then don't have to put up with coworkers' unpleasant personal habits.
- A quarter (25 %) confirm that working away from headquarters gives them a chance to avoid boring co-workers.
Garry Gurtler, Regus Country Manager Switzerland, commented: "Flexible working is now recognized as a key element in employee retention, but the results confirm that it is also a key decision point in whether someone accepts a job in the first place."
"The health and morale benefits of flexible working are quickly captured. But the study also shows that when people work closer to home, local communities benefit as well. Small businesses, like cafes and stores, play a big role in building a sense of community, but often have to close if they are only frequented on weekends. Flexible work allows these businesses to benefit from an uninterrupted flow of customers during the week."
Source: Regus
