According to a new survey from FlexJobs, flexible working helps employees with mental illness manage their mental health better. Of the 2,100 respondents with mental illness, 84% said flexibility at their job would help them.
Additionally, 35% of the entire respondent pool said they have had to take a break from work due to difficult personal issues.
“Flexible work can play a very positive role in supporting employees who have mental health issues or who are going through difficult life circumstances,” said Sara Sutton, Founder and CEO of FlexJobs. “According to Mental Health America, more than half of employees are afraid to take a day off to attend to their mental health. Allowing employees to work flexibly reduces the conflict that we all experience between our personal and professional lives, and equips everyone to better meet their mental, emotional and physical needs.”
Furthermore, the study found that 67% of people seek flexible jobs in order to maintain a healthier work-life balance. The 54% that do have flexibility said that their work-life balance is either great or very good.
83% of respondents said that work has hindered their ability to take care of their overall health and 95% believes that flexible positions would make them a happier person.
