The Flexible Work Effect on Well-being

Flexible work has been a hot topic lately as more businesses call for employees to return to the office, sparking debates about the future of work. For example, Amazon, Elon Musk’s X and The Washington Post have all recently told employees that they need to be in the office full-time.

But is this the right move for your business?

The shift to flexible work has transformed how people approach their careers and job satisfaction. Beyond enabling remote work or flexible hours, it has redefined what balance looks like in modern workplaces.

In this article, we’ll explore how flexible work affects employee well-being, highlighting research-backed benefits, potential challenges and counterpoints and how organizations are navigating this potentially transformative change.

The positive impact of flexible work on well-being

Despite the recent news, our latest State of Sales and Marketing report reveals that many companies are providing remote working options and flexible work hours.

Which of the following well-being and work-life-balance initiatives does your workplace provide?

Breaking away from rigid schedules and traditional office settings can enable employees to take greater control over their time and environment – a shift that research suggests plays a role in improving mental, emotional and physical health.

According to a McKinsey report, 87% of employees offered flexibility take it, and many report that this autonomy significantly improves their mental health and job satisfaction.

The ripple effects of flexibility seem to reduce stress and improve work-life balance. While not a one-size-fits-all solution, employees with flexible work schedules often report aligning their work hours with their natural productivity peaks, which can lead to increased focus and efficiency.

Here are four key reasons why flexible work has a positive impact on employee well-being.

1. Reduced stress levels

Flexible work arrangements allow remote and hybrid employees to avoid the daily grind of commuting, which can contribute to unnecessary stress.

Studies have linked reduced life satisfaction with increased cortisol levels – the hormone released by your body when you’re stressed. The time saved can be redirected toward personal priorities, which may help employees feel more relaxed and prepared for their workday.

With more time to focus on personal priorities, individuals tend to feel more relaxed and ready to tackle their workday.

2. Improved work-life balance

Employees with flexible schedules have greater control over their time.

Flexible work seems to make achieving a good work-life balance more attainable, whether it’s attending a child’s school event, scheduling a midday workout or handling personal errands.

Pipedrive’s State of Sales and Marketing report clearly shows that most people rate their work-life balance as good or even very good.

How would you rate your current work-life balance?

A good work-life balance is increasingly associated with the availability of flexible work models and remote options.

Employees with access to these arrangements reported improved mental well-being and higher productivity as they gained greater autonomy to tailor their work schedules to personal needs. In fact, 28% of respondents noted a significant enhancement in their mental health due to such options​.

3. Better mental health

The flexibility to create a routine that aligns with personal needs has been linked to lower levels of anxiety and depression.

Employees can step away when they need a mental health break, resulting in a healthier, happier workforce.

According to Pipedrive’s State of Sales and Marketing, the majority, 68%, have said that their company’s flexible work model has improved their mental health.

Since my workplace started providing flexible work models and/or remote options, my mental well-being has…

4. Boosted physical health and well-being

With flexible hours, workers can prioritize physical activity and nutrition.

The ability to cook healthy meals at home or integrate exercise into a custom schedule helps employees feel physically stronger and more energized.

Research published in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health suggests that participants were more engaged in physical activity when they had ​​flexible work arrangements than on regular workdays.

The business case for flexibility

Offering flexible work can have tangible implications for business outcomes, too. Companies that embrace flexibility often see:

• Higher Productivity: employees perform better when they have autonomy over their time. Research from Gartner shows that flexibility in working hours can help employees achieve greater productivity.

• Lower turnover rates: workers are more loyal to organizations that support their well-being. Research from the University of Minnesota indicates that applying a Results Only Work Environment (ROWE) can reduce turnover by 45%.

• Broader talent pools: flexibility attracts top talent, regardless of geographic location. According to LinkedIn, offering flexible work arrangements can be the key to attracting top talent.

Flexible work arrangements can improve productivity and innovation by allowing employees to work during their most effective hours.

Embracing flexibility allows businesses to position themselves as forward-thinking and inclusive, appealing to top talent while fostering organizational creativity and innovation.

In competitive industries where skilled professionals prioritize work-life balance as a deciding factor when choosing an employer, this is particularly crucial.

Companies with flexible policies also tend to stand out in their ability to attract caregivers, people with disabilities or those living in different time zones.

The challenges of flexible work and how to address them

While flexible work offers significant advantages, it comes with challenges that can affect employee health and well-being and productivity if left unaddressed.

According to Gallup’s 2023 Global State of the Workplace Report, which surveyed employed individuals across more than 140 countries, those working remotely – whether full-time or in a hybrid arrangement – reported experiencing higher levels of stress and anger than their full-time onsite counterparts.

To create a compelling and supportive work environment, businesses must proactively identify and tackle these obstacles. Below is a table outlining common challenges and actionable solutions to overcome them:

By addressing these challenges with thoughtful strategies, businesses can build a flexible work culture that supports employee success and well-being.

Technology’s role in enabling flexible work

Advancements in technology have been instrumental to making flexible work viable.

Tools like cloud-based platforms, video conferencing software and AI-driven automation allow teams to collaborate seamlessly, regardless of location or time zones. These technologies eliminate many barriers traditionally associated with flexible work, such as limited access to information or the inability to track progress in real time.

Key technological advancements driving flexible work include:

• AI-powered tools. Help employees prioritize tasks, streamline communication and predict workflow bottlenecks.

• Chatbots and automated scheduling systems. Reduce the need for manual coordination, freeing up time for higher-value activities.

• Cloud-based platforms. Provide real-time access to data and enable teams to work collaboratively from anywhere.

• Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR). Create immersive collaboration experiences that mimic in-person interactions.

VR and AR are transforming global collaboration by enabling immersive, interactive meetings that bridge the gap for geographically dispersed teams.

These technologies create engaging 3D environments that enhance productivity, reduce costs and facilitate seamless communication across industries.

According to our most recent State of Sales and Marketing report, the adoption of tools like CRM systems and automation technologies also seems to contribute to work-life satisfaction. These tools streamline tasks – reducing the time required for repetitive activities – and allow employees to focus on more meaningful work. Respondents who use automation tools often reported higher happiness levels and better work-life balance than those who don’t.

However, achieving work-life balance is not without challenges. While flexible work arrangements benefit employees, organizations must ensure proper support systems and clear communication to prevent feelings of isolation and maintain team cohesion.

Addressing these challenges thoughtfully can help foster a sustainable and engaged workforce that 76% of sales and marketing professionals believe AI will have a supporting role in their careers.

Investing in the right technology supports day-to-day operations and promotes diversity, accessibility and equal opportunities for all employees.

Businesses that leverage these tools can create a robust infrastructure to support long-term flexibility, empowering their teams to innovate and perform at their best. As technology evolves, it will remain a cornerstone in shaping the flexible work culture of tomorrow.

How flexible work models are evolving

Flexibility is no longer limited to choosing between working remotely or in an office. Companies are now exploring different ways to tailor work arrangements to fit the diverse needs of their workforce while maintaining productivity and collaboration. Such an evolution recognizes that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work for everyone.

Asynchronous work is one such trend that is gaining traction. By allowing employees to work during their most productive hours, regardless of time zones, businesses foster inclusivity and empower team members to deliver their best. Digital tools like project management platforms and shared workspaces ensure seamless collaboration, even when schedules don’t align.

Another emerging trend is unlimited paid time off (PTO), where employees are entrusted with taking the time they need to rest, recharge or handle personal commitments. Such an approach promotes accountability and reinforces a culture of trust, which is crucial to job satisfaction.

The four-day workweek is also making waves. It offers a compressed schedule that maximizes focus while giving employees an additional day to focus on personal priorities. Trials of this model in various companies have shown increased productivity and improved morale.

These models highlight the growing recognition that flexibility is a dynamic tool for meeting modern workforce demands.

How Pipedrive helps you offer flexible work options

At Pipedrive, we provide tools designed to adapt to the demands of flexible work environments.

Whether teams are remote, hybrid or in-office, our customer relationship management (CRM) helps them stay connected and productive.

One of Pipedrive’s standout features is seamless task management, which allows team members to assign, track and update tasks in real time – ensuring everyone remains aligned on priorities, regardless of location or schedule. Our collaborative pipelines make it easy to visualize sales processes, share updates and collaborate across departments, reducing the risk of miscommunication or delays.

Additionally, real-time reporting and insights enable sales teams to track performance and make data-driven decisions without having to rely on traditional in-person meetings. Integrations with popular productivity tools further streamline workflows, offering flexibility and efficiency in one simple package.

By simplifying communication and fostering collaboration, Pipedrive empowers teams to focus on what matters most – building relationships, closing deals and achieving their goals – no matter where or when they work. Flexible work doesn’t have to mean compromising on productivity, and with Pipedrive, it doesn’t.

The impact of a flexibility mindset on employee performance and workplace dynamics

Flexibility in the workplace goes beyond policies. It’s also a mindset that can shape performance and adaptability. So, how does having a flexible mind help you become a better employee?

A flexible mindset helps you adjust to shifting priorities, collaborate effectively with diverse teams and tackle challenges with creativity and resilience.

Understanding employment rights relating to flexible working is equally important. Employees who are informed about these rights can better negotiate working conditions that align with their personal and professional needs. This understanding supports improved work-life balance, greater job satisfaction and higher productivity, laying the groundwork for more supportive and equitable workplaces.

Another key factor is the potential positive effects of allowing employees to manage workflows independently. When employees have autonomy over task management, they often feel a greater sense of ownership and accountability, which can boost morale and efficiency. This flexibility allows individuals to structure their work in ways that may reduce stress and improve outcomes – benefiting both employees and organizations.

Final thoughts

The future of work may be leaning toward flexibility. Flexible working benefits are increasingly seen not just as a perk but as an important shift in how organizations operate.

By allowing employees more control over their time and environment, businesses may help improve work-life balance, alleviate burnout and promote greater job satisfaction. The potential benefits for companies could include improved productivity, higher retention rates and access to a more diverse talent pool.

However, it’s important to consider the challenges flexible work may present for your workforce, such as maintaining team cohesion, ensuring clear communication and addressing varying employee needs.

Thoughtful planning and a tailored approach can help businesses strike the right balance and foster a sustainable culture where employees and organizations thrive.