How flexible working has an impact on our health

On today's Inside FARFETCH, Senior Occupational Health Nurse Raquel Silva explores the relationship between flexible working and health, highlighting the benefits of flexible working practices on employees' physical and mental health, work-life balance, and productivity. On the other hand, Raquel acknowledges that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for flexible working, as what may work for some employees may only work for some. As we approach World Health Day, celebrated on the 7th of April, let's take a closer look at what a holistic approach looks like. 

The global COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically changed how we work, pushing many businesses to adopt more flexible working practices, such as remote work and flexible hours. While these changes were initially made out of necessity, many companies now realize the benefits of these practices. However, have you stopped considering the impact of flexible working on your health? 

Approaching World Health Day (April 7th), let's dive deep into the relationship between flexible working and health. Studies have shown that flexible working can have a positive impact on employees' physical and mental health, as well as their overall well-being. However, the truth is that we are all unique, and what is suitable for some may not be the perfect solution for others, for example:

1. Commuting time could save time, reduce commute-related stress, OR blur the division between work and non-work time. Commuting sends the message to our brain that we'll start the working day/finish the working day in a different place.
2. Working at home helps address personal and family needs, contributes to work-life balance, OR blurs the line between work and non-work-life boundaries. It can also negatively affect workers and their families, contributing to intensifying work–family conflict.
3. Changing working hours can provide flexibility for people with caregiving responsibilities, bypass location bias and globalization has spread job tasks across time zones OR face the challenge due to uncertainty about when I need to work, if I'll be necessary to do some chores, do I need to be 24/7 available?

It's important to note that flexible work isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. In this reality, we need to comprehend where our balance lies, what makes sense for us at a particular moment, our limits, and what we require to perform effectively and stay healthy: no judgment but empathy to understand that we're all different and unique.

Flexibility is your ally

To celebrate World Health Day, I wanted to give some insights on how flexible working can benefit employees regardless of what works better for each one.

• Reduce stress levels: Flexible working allows employees to balance their work and personal lives better, reducing stress levels and improving overall mental health. This is especially important in today's world, where many people are dealing with additional stresses related to the pandemic.
• Improved work-life balance: Employees with more control over their work schedule and location can better balance their work and personal lives. This can lead to increased job satisfaction, better mental health, and improved relationships with family and friends.
• Better physical health: By reducing the time and stress associated with commuting, flexible working can help employees find more time for physical activity, which has numerous health benefits.
• Improved productivity: Studies have shown that employees with more control over their work schedule and location are often more productive than those working in a traditional office environment.

Bottom line, always question yourself to ensure you have the right environment and practices to benefit your health, really taking advantage of flexibility:

• Considering ergonomics, do I have the optimal environment (furniture, lighting, or work equipment) to accomplish my job?
• How many hours am I sitting during the day? 10-12 hours, perhaps? Remember that our body was meant to move, considering our + 600 muscles.
• Am I doing some stretching during the sitting time?

The role of companies

While flexible working can have many benefits, companies must carefully consider how they implement these practices. Although, at FARFETCH, we have already adopted flexible working practices, we know it’s an ongoing journey, and we are constantly searching for the best way to improve our people’s well-being and trying to evolve our ways. Nevertheless, here are some principles we consider important when companies start thinking about this matter and looking to adopt more flexible working practices: 

• Establish clear guidelines: Companies should establish guidelines around flexible working, including who is eligible for these practices, how they can be implemented, and what kind of support employees can expect.
• Provide the right tools: To support remote work and other flexible working practices, companies should try to provide employees with the right technology and tools and support from the Health & Safety teams.
• Encourage communication: To ensure remote workers feel connected to their colleagues and the company, it's important to encourage regular communication and collaboration. This can include regular check-ins, virtual team-building activities, and other initiatives to promote a sense of community.
• Offer support for mental health: Flexible working can help reduce stress and improve mental health, but it's crucial for companies also to offer support in this area. This can include access to counselling services, mental health days, and other initiatives to promote well-being.

At FARFETCH, we strive to provide the right tools to our people to increase their self-knowledge and a better understanding of the context and consequences of their choices. We must remember that everyone is different and unique, and the concept of health is an individual matter. We are currently working with the Plumm Health platform, which provides therapy sessions, guided meditation, and mindfulness courses to our Farfetchers. Our Health & Safety Team is working on launching a stretching platform aimed to give our Farfetchers some valuable resources to improve their posture and ways of working. 

In conclusion, flexible working can benefit employees and companies, including improved physical and mental health, better work-life balance, and increased productivity. But to reap these benefits, companies must carefully consider how they implement these practices and provide their employees with the proper support and resources. On tomorrow’s World Health Day, let's remember the importance of creating a workplace that supports the health and well-being of all employees.

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