Mon, 10 Jan 2011
Introducing flexible working practices is one way managers may be able to get the most out of their employees, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has argued.
According to a spokesman from the body, giving staff "a better work-life balance" makes them happier and better at their role.
"Flexible working can benefit businesses by improving staff retention and productivity, while reducing stress and absence levels," the representative stated.
He noted that there are a variety of methods that can be implemented - such as home working, remote working and flexible shift patters - however they may not all be suited to every enterprise.
As well as boosting staff morale, flexible practices can also have other benefits for workers, the spokesman continued, as rent prices and energy costs can be brought down if the number of workers in the office is reduced.
However, he added that "good flexible workings policies need to well managed and have genuine support from managers and staff alike".
He was commenting after the release of a recent study of over 16,000 people by the Wolfson Research Institute, which is based at Durham University
This found that workers at a business that allows flexible working are healthier, benefiting from reduced tiredness and blood pressure, improved mental health, better sleep quality and higher alertness.
Six different types of flexible working arrangements were used in the study, including flextime, self-scheduling and gradual requirement.
The TUC spokesman also warned against the risks of overworking staff, explaining that as this gives people less time to spend with their friends and families, it can result in stress levels rising.
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