Flexible work may boost employee performance: report

2 in 5 creative leaders support a compressed work week

Flexible work may boost employee performance: report

Compressing work over fewer days per week may be good for business, according to a new survey on productivity.

Forty percent of hiring decision-makers in advertising and marketing believe working for only four 10-hour days each week – instead of the typical five eight-hour shifts – boosts productivity.

More than two-thirds of respondents would also support employees who perform tasks unrelated to work during their shift. They believe giving workers the leeway would help bolster their overall performance, research from staffing firm The Creative Group showed.

More than half of creative managers surveyed said achieving good work-life balance is a shared responsibility of the company and employees.

“As professional preferences and expectations evolve, more companies are recognizing that the best work isn’t necessarily tied to traditional work hours or days and are open to the idea of a flexible workplace,” said Deborah Bottineau, district director for The Creative Group.

“Offering employees greater freedom to manage their time and personal and professional obligations can help reduce stress, increase morale and productivity, and serve as an attractive perk for prospective hires,” Bottineau said.

Employees are ultimately accountable for their productivity level while they are in the workplace.

“The freedom to attend to personal tasks or passion projects while at work comes with the expectation that professionals bring their most creative, driven selves to their job, and continue to make valuable contributions to the business,” said Bottineau.