Survey Finds Job Flexibility Significantly Improves Health, Personal Relationships (original) (raw)
Those seeking a flexible or work-from-home job often do so for great reasons. They may want to eliminate a commute, stay closer to family, or increase their productivity. But what they may not realize is that flexible work can positively impact their relationships, mental health, and their ability to deal with difficult circumstances.
The Impact of Flex Work on Mental Health
In February 2020, FlexJobs’ Work-Life-Relationship survey asked 3,900 people about how work impacts their personal health, stress levels, work-life balance, and family and romantic relationships. Of this group of respondents, 2,100 people identified themselves as having a mental illness, such as anxiety or depression. A large majority of that group—84%—reported that having a flexible job would help them better manage their mental health.
Additionally, 35% of the overall pool of 3,900 respondents said they have had to take a break from work because of difficult personal circumstances (i.e., death, divorce, serious physical or mental illness of themselves or a loved one, etc.). Of those, 88% said that if their job had offered flexibility during those circumstances, they would have been able to remain in the workforce.
Work flexibility perks often include the ability to shift your schedule and work from home. When dealing with mental health issues or experiencing a difficult situation, not being relegated to an in-office, 9-to-5 job can allow people to work when they are able and to prioritize taking care of themselves, whether that is fitting in a doctor’s appointment, making time for self-care, or exercising.
The results of FlexJobs’ survey suggest that flexible work arrangements can have a positive impact not only on managing mental health, but also improving work-life balance, physical health, romantic relationships, and overall well-being. Here are the results of our survey.
FlexJobs’ Work-Life-Relationship Survey Results
Flexible Jobs and Work-Life Balance
Work-life balance tops the reasons people seek flexible jobs (67%). Management heavily influences how workers achieve work-life balance, varying significantly between those who have flexible work options and those who do not.
- 54% of respondents with flexible work options said their work-life balance was either great or very good, compared to only 29% of respondents without flexible work options who reported the same thing
- 21% of respondents with flexible work options say they’re currently stressed by their level of work-life balance, while more than double (43%) working without flexible options said the same thing
- 35% with flexible work options said “My boss’s work habits make work-life balance easy for me,” compared to only 14% of those without flexible work options
- 27% with flexible work options said “My boss’s habits make work-life balance difficult for me,” but 40% of those without flexible work options said their boss’ habits make work-life balance difficult for them
Flexible Jobs and Personal Health
- 95% of respondents reported that a flexible job would likely make them a happier person in general
- 89% thought it would help them take better care of themselves
- 86% believed it would decrease their levels of stress
- 67% thought it would increase the frequency they exercised
Flexible Jobs and Non-Romantic Relationships
- 88% of respondents said having a flexible job would create more time to spend with family
- 78% thought it would help them be more available for friendships in their life
- 94% of those with children (or plan to have children someday) thought a job with work flexibility would help them be a better parent
- 85% of those with pets said it would help them be a better pet owner
Flexible Jobs and Romantic Relationships
- 64% of respondents said having a flexible job would likely benefit their romantic relationship overall
- 64% said it would likely improve their sex life
- 80% thought that having a job with work flexibility would help them be a more attentive spouse/partner/significant other
- 53% thought it would increase time available for dates/date nights
Most Desired Choice of Work Flexibility
For the fifth year in a row, 100% remote work remains the most popular choice for flexible work (80%), with flexible schedules a second preference (55%), followed by remote work some of the time (4%), part-time schedules (34%), and freelance work (32%).
Find a Flexible Job to Improve Your Life
Many of us experience conflict between our personal and professional lives. If you want to find a flexible job to help you meet your mental, emotional, and physical needs, FlexJobs can help. We have thousands of flexible jobs in over 50 different career areas. Whether you need a remote job, a part-time schedule, or a flexible schedule, we have new flexible jobs posted daily.