Flexible work schedule fosters healthy habits

People who feel they have flexibility in their job schedules tend to have a healthier lifestyle than those with less workplace freedom. American researchers from Wake Forest University School of Medicine in North Carolina conducted a study, which included 3,193 employees of a multinational pharmaceutical company, ranging from executives to administrative staff to production and warehouse workers. To gauge workers' perceptions of job flexibility, the researchers asked them if they had enough flexibility to manage their work and personal lives. Employees were also surveyed about several lifestyle habits - including their exercise levels, sleep routines and whether they participated in their company's stress-management activities. In general, it was found that workers who felt they had more flexibility at the workplace were more likely to report healthy habits such as exercising regularly and getting adequate sleep. The study looked at workers' perceptions of on-the-job flexibility, but not which specific workplace measures made them feel that way. The company where they worked offers employees alternative work schedules when possible; some employees can work at home, for example, while others can share their jobs or have freedom in arranging their work hours. The above findings suggest that such flexibility not only gives employees some freedom, but may also contribute to positive lifestyle behaviour, and may play an important role in effective health promotion programmes at the workplace.