When it comes to finding jobs in the Philippines, work from home arrangements have become especially popular among job seekers, and research suggests that remote work and other flexible working models will be the norm for the foreseeable future. Trends also show that remote jobs are more likely to receive applications than in-person jobs. Additionally, more and more job candidates count workplace flexibility among the top three factors to prioritize when choosing a workplace.

Although many Philippine businesses were initially forced into adopting more flexible scheduling during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more employers have also come around to the benefits of flexible work arrangements. They’re well aware, for instance, that more flexibility widens their hiring pool beyond those who are able to report to their company’s physical office, allowing them to work with employees in any part of the country and even the world. There’s also copious research to verify the positive influence workplace flexibility has on employee engagement, productivity, and ultimately profitability.

Are you a business owner contemplating the possible advantages of offering more flexibility to your employees or a job seeker wondering what a job with a flexible schedule can do for you? Read on for a deep dive into some of the most compelling benefits.

Makes Employees More Productive

More traditional employers are often of the mindset that the more time employees spend at work, the more they’ll get done, but modern research has disproven this claim. Recent studies in fact draw a positive correlation between productivity and work-life balance, indicating that companies that prioritize flexibility enjoy doubled employee output. This is because when given the freedom to work when, where, and how they like, most employees will develop setups that allow them to be maximally productive and deliver high-quality results.

Traditional in-person working models are also full of interruptions and distractions that can compromise workers’ productivity. For one thing, having to commute to the office alone is already stressful and time-consuming for many employees, particularly in urban centers with problematic public transport systems and frequent traffic jams. Furthermore, ambient noise, procrastinating co-workers, and other factors can also keep employees from working their best once they’ve settled down at their desks. Flexible work schedules eliminate these variables entirely and give employees more leeway to create the working environments that are most conducive to them.

Supports Good Physical and Mental Health

Healthy, happy employees not only do their best work, but they’re also in a good position to continue doing their best work for much longer. Employees with flexible work schedules have more freedom to pursue activities that improve their physical and mental health, such as exercise, eating more balanced meals, and spending time with loved ones. And the better your employees are doing physically and mentally, the less stressed and more focused they’ll be when it’s time for them to hunker down and work.

The positive effects of work-life balance on physical and psychological well-being are both numerous and well-documented. A balanced work routine reduces stress levels, improves mood and concentration, and reduces a person’s risk of developing mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. Work-life balance also alleviates the detrimental effects of stress on the body, such as elevated blood pressure, poor sleep, and migraines. In the long run, flexible working arrangements can lower the risk of serious diseases such as heart disease, hypertension, and certain cancers.

Boosts Employee Retention

Because workplace flexibility is so closely associated with job satisfaction for modern workers, offering employees flexible working arrangements makes them more likely to stay with your company for the long term. High employee retention rates can help boost your company’s reputation in your industry and will make you look especially good to potential hires. Moreover, if your employees choose to grow along with your company for the long term, this choice can lead to even greater productivity and more opportunities for innovation.

It’s likewise important not to underestimate how much better a high retention rate is for a company’s operating costs. Employee turnover is highly costly to manage, considering the amount of time and resources companies have to spend on recruiting, screening, onboarding, and training new hires. If your workforce is full of people who are committed to staying with your organization for the long run, on the other hand, your company will be able to get more done from day to day.

Opens Up Opportunities for Professional Development

Flexible work arrangements make it easier for employees to explore opportunities for professional development, such as workshops, conferences, and further education. For example, employees who work remotely can perform their tasks while attending out-of-town seminars or training sessions. Meanwhile, employees who are interested in going back to school can build their class schedules around their work hours. The skills and knowledge that your employees stand to gain from pursuing these opportunities will both enrich their lives and contribute positively to your company’s bottom line.

On the whole, flexible working arrangements have copious benefits both for businesses and for the people they employ. Embracing flexible work is key for modern businesses to attract and retain top talent, maximize productivity, and outpace competitors.