Flexible Working – Workplace Wellbeing

In 2024, employers face the challenge of balancing the value of flexibility for their employees and the importance of maintaining face-to-face interactions. This includes striving for increased office occupancy and sufficient interpersonal contact to protect company culture, but also includes understanding and meeting employee needs. This year, the focus is on finding innovative ways for remote and in-office work to coexist harmoniously, for example through optimised work spaces and experiences. Essentially, a flexible hybrid working policy is a sensible middle-ground for those who enjoy working remotely and those who want to return to the office.

The Hybrid Working Model

CBRE’s (2022) Global Live-Work-Shop survey reveals that flexibility is a key factor in job selection decisions. Hybrid work models have become the norm, allowing employees to split their time between home and the office. This approach not only accommodates personal preferences and circumstances but also enhances productivity and job satisfaction. (Financial Times, 2020)

Employers are also increasingly aware that while remote work offers many benefits, it cannot entirely replace the value of face-to-face interactions and human relationships. Regular in-person meetings foster a sense of community, reduce loneliness, enhance collaboration and innovation, and facilitate better communication. Companies are therefore redesigning office spaces to support these interactions, creating environments that encourage spontaneous conversations and teamwork while still respecting employees’ need for flexibility.

Achieving Work-Life Balance

Hybrid working enables employees to achieve work-life integration, which doesn’t necessarily mean working fewer hours but rather in more flexible patterns. For example, parents can address issues with their children as they arise, confident they can make up the time later. This flexibility allows individuals to craft schedules that align better with their personal needs and work rhythms, enhancing their sense of control. Ultimately, this blend of flexibility and autonomy is linked to increased feelings of fulfilment and engagement in the workplace. (Financial Times, 2020)

Enhanced Physical Work Environments

Nearly two-thirds of European respondents to CBRE’s (2022) Global Live-Work-Shop survey attached more importance to the overall quality of their working environment than they used to. This affirms the importance of employers investing in more optimised office spaces that promote physical and mental health. Which includes ergonomic furniture, better air quality, natural lighting, and spaces designed for relaxation and social interaction.

Moreover, on-site wellbeing support services such as wellbeing seminars & workshops and accessible fitness facilities are becoming the standard. These enhancements not only improve the physical health of employees but also create a more engaging and welcoming workplace experience.

zeno Health Group is dedicated to educating and empowering individuals and teams through a flexible blend of engaging in-person and digital bitesized courses. Our CPD-accredited Mindset Programme encompasses a wide range of seminars, workshops and webinars across the four pillars of wellbeing (mental, physical, social and financial), providing attendees with evidence-based knowledge and practical tools essential to enhance health outcomes. Get in touch today to find out more.