According to the Future Forum Pulse Report Winter 2022-2023, the workforce has been experiencing a rise in burnout ever since the year 2021, when the report started. Burnout causes employees to experience low job satisfaction, which also makes them more likely to switch to a new job. The report shows that employees who are burnt out are 3.4 times more likely to seek a new job than those who aren’t.
For this reason, the report also shows that flexibility can help reduce burnout among employees. It is shown that 43% of people with a constraint work schedule are more likely to be burned out at work.
Why is flexibility important?
Think of what you are doing after getting out of work. Whether it be cooking, reading, learning, exploring new interests or resting, everyone has their own routines and habits. This is what makes them who they are and what makes them unique. Hence, this is why the schedules of individuals off-work can differ for each individual. This is because different types of individuals have different energy levels and commitments after work. Flexibility can offer balance for these individuals to thrive and perform better at work when they are fully recharged or rested.
Who needs flexibility the most?
Work flexibility means that people have more control over when, where, and how they work. It includes things like being able to choose your own hours, working from home instead of the office, or working part-time instead of full-time. People with no flexibility can face a harder challenge to manage their energy levels and make their working time fit into their lives.
Desk workers
Individuals who spent the most time at the desk were those working in administration and customer service, for example. The report shows that 81% of them want work flexibility, as 56% said they have little to no ability to change or adjust their working hours. Work flexibility ranks second after salary for them to be satisfied at their job. The previous report also showed the same trend.
Working mothers
For the working mothers who held responsibility both for family and work, 84% of them preferred moving from place to place to do their work. They need to work outside the office more than their working fathers. They may need to pick up children from school, attend doctor’s appointments, or handle other family-related tasks during the workday.
Parents
As caregivers, parents often need work flexibility to balance their professional responsibilities with their duties and commitments. About 67% of parents want a work schedule that is not too tight so that they can be more flexible in managing their family responsibilities and personal well-being. Despite showing a higher percentage than individuals who don’t have children, non-parents also showed a high percentage of 62%, signifying the importance of work flexibility.
Fully in-office workers
A majority (56%) of those who work in offices also showed that they need work flexibility. Different from desk workers who spend their time sitting at the table, these fully-in-office workers are expected to be present at the office within their working hours.
Asian/Asian American
Compared to other races such as white, black, Hispanic, and Latinx, the U.S. respondents showed that 86% of Asians or American Asians prefer hybrid or fully work-from-home. The percentage differs by 7% at maximum, with whites at 79%.
Conclusions
Work flexibility is important in addressing the spreading issue of burnout in the workforce. Even though desk workers, working mothers, parents, fully in-office workers and Asian Americans showed a high importance of flexibility, the percentage of those who are not in this category is almost as high. By prioritizing flexibility in the workplace, employers can foster healthier, more productive work environments where individuals can thrive both personally and professionally.
