Key takeaways:

• What is flex time? Flex time gives employees more options for what the 40-hour work week looks like, allowing them to choose start and end times.
• How does flex time benefit employees and employers? Eight benefits of offering flex time:
  • It’s a win-win for employers and employees
  • Employees report being more focused and less stressed
  • It may improve employee retention
  • It eliminates the need for them to ask
  • It may help employees who contend with commute challenges
  • It helps you stand out as an employer
  • No work hours are being lost
  • It’s a cost-effective perk

Many employees struggle to adapt their work schedules around their personal lives, which may be filled with child or elder care responsibilities, night classes, medical care or other obligations that get in the way of the standard 8-5, five-day-a-week schedule.

This is precisely why more companies are turning to perks like flex time or flexible scheduling, which helps employees have a bit more control over when they work. This kind of flexibility can boost work-life balance and create a better situation for everyone. It also helps employees stand out when the job market is unpredictable.

Here is an overview of flex time and all of its benefits.

Flex time is another term for flexible scheduling or flexible time. Giving employees flex time means they can adjust their schedules so that their work timing fits in better with their other responsibilities. However, flex time isn’t completely random in most cases. Employers may decide to offer several options, like the standard 8-to-5 work week, a 7-4 workday option or an 8-5 workday option.

The idea is to offer employees flexibility while still ensuring that they’re working the hours required for the job each week.

Another option is to give employees a set number of hours each week that they can use however they need to. For instance, some employers may give employees four hours per week to use for doctor appointments without having to dig into their PTO.

Yet another option is to do away with a set number of hours and instead simply require that employees get all of their work done (however long that takes) by specific deadlines/the end of the week.

Being a more flexible employer means your employees can get more of their needs met. Flex time provides workers with an extra layer of flexibility that contributes to their well-being both at and outside of work. These eight benefits show just how impactful this one policy can be:

1. It’s a win-win

Flex time benefits both workers and employers. It typically has a minimal impact on the company since the number of hours someone is working isn’t altered, and it gives workers flexibility and control. They will feel appreciated knowing that their life outside of work is valued.

2. Employees report being more focused and less stressed

When employees are worried about picking up the kids or getting to class on time, they’re less likely to be focused on work while they’re there. Offering flex time may take that stress away, allowing them to focus on being productive without worrying about being late for another obligation.

3. It may improve retention

Work-life balance can be hard for many workers to actually achieve. When employers help in improving work-life balance, however, employees are more likely to be satisfied with their jobs and motivated to stay at the company. One study from FlexJobs found that 81% of employees said they would be more loyal to their employers if given flexible work options.

4. It eliminates the need for them to ask

Offering flex time to employees means they don’t have to ask for different hours all the time. They will know the options they can choose from, and select whatever works best for them. Some workers who are managing an illness or have children may have to ask again and again, or use their PTO, without a flex time policy in place that outlines expectations.

5. It may help employees who content with commute challenges 

More workers are returning to the office after pandemic restrictions have been lifted. The average one-way commute in the U.S. is nearly 30 minutes, and traffic during rush hour can make those commutes even longer or more stressful. Alternate work schedules can help people avoid these heavy travel times, giving them more time to focus on life outside of work.

6. It helps you stand out as an employer

Today’s job market is pretty tense, with many employers still struggling to keep people on the payroll. Offering flex time and alternate scheduling options helps you stand out to new candidates who may have left their previous jobs to find a better work-life balance or benefits. Top talent wants to see that companies are adapting to the needs of the moment and many workers want flexibility.

7. No work hours are being lost

Many employers hear “flex time” and assume it means employees can work whenever they feel like it. That’s not the case, though. Flex time doesn’t reduce anyone’s hours, it simply restructures them. People can come in earlier or stay later, depending on their needs outside of the office. They still need to fulfill all their job duties. So, the number of hours worked each week usually stays the same.

8. It’s a cost-effective perk

Flex time is a reward that many employees want and it can help round out their benefits package. It is much more affordable than giving promotions or raises to show employee appreciation and today’s workers want flexibility even more than they want greater compensation. The number-one reason employees want to change careers is to find a job with a better work-life balance, which depends on flexibility.

Unfortunately, flex time may not work for all employers and employees. Some jobs require that employees be in the office at a set time every day and therefore flex time wouldn’t be feasible. For example, a receptionist that is needed in the office daily between certain hours because they have to answer phones, etc. wouldn’t benefit from having flex time.

You have a lot to manage as an employer. Employee retention and work-life balance should be on the top of the priority list to ensure workers are satisfied. One way to show them support is to offer flex time so they can create schedules that work best for them.

When you have questions about paid time off and flexible work arrangements, we’re here to help at StaffLink. We are a national Professional Employer Organization (PEO) that can help you with a range of Human Resources solutions, including payroll, risk management and benefits. Our team works alongside yours so we can come up with the best customized solutions for your workforce.

Request a proposal or contact us at (954) 423-8262 for more information.