Reference: Hill, E. J., Erickson, J. J., Holmes, E. K., & Ferris, M. (2010). Workplace flexibility, work hours, and work-life conflict: Finding an extra day or two. Journal of Family Psychology, 24(3), 349-358. doi:https://doi-org.portal.lib.fit.edu/10.1037/a0019282 Are you struggling with balancing your work life and personal life? Do you have the option to be flexible to work at home, or at different times? Do perceptions of work conditions vary in different countries and cultures? To find these answers, a large, global company surveyed 24,000 participants in 75 countries on the impact of workplace flexibility: where work took place (at home or office) or when (as perceived as having flexibility) and the impact on the worker’s perceptions of work-life conflict. Results? Having workplace flexibility (the ability to adjust work hours), had a significant impact on reducing work-life conflict. Additionally, those who worked longer hours tended to experience more work-life conflict, regardless of their level of workplace flexibility. People and organizations worldwide benefit when they have workplace flexibility. Workplace and work-time flexibility allow employees to put in longer hours before feeling the effects of work-life conflict. Employers! To get the most benefits, allow employees to combine work-from-home with actual scheduling freedom. Working from home alone lessens work-family conflict, but workers found even more benefit in having the flexibility to plan their hours to best suit their business and personal life needs.

Written by Jarret Bain B.S.