Go with the Flow to Reduce Stress and Increase Workplace Happiness

“Just go with the flow.” Hearing this phrase may induce a hint of anxiety if you identify as Type A (like me) or consider yourself a planner.

In reality, however, flow can be a great thing if you think of it in terms of being flexible and not being glued to only one way of doing things. A great example of this is work schedules.

In line with trends across the globe, workplace flexibility has become increasingly important to employees at Sodexo, and we aim to foster an environment that makes flexibility possible. Not only was Sodexo ranked as one of the Top 40 Companies Hiring for Flexible Jobs by FlexJobs in 2018, we also have an entire practice dedicated to it!

FLOW, or Flexibility Optimizes Work, focuses on improving Quality of Life for our employees. They can feel empowered to flex their schedule, location, or the way in which they accomplish their work, ultimately reducing stress, increasing engagement and creating better balance.

If you didn’t know, October 16 is National Flex Day, so this is the perfect opportunity to share a few video testimonials from our managers, students and interns at Tarleton State University, who have experienced this firsthand.

At Tarleton, workplace flexibility is truly embedded in the culture – and it’s beneficial for everyone involved. Employees who are able to find the flexibility they need or desire tend to be happier and want to perform well, which creates a better experience for those we serve. And because they enjoy their work, these same employees are committed to the company, making daily operations smoother for our managers, who can dedicate their attention to running the business, rather than constantly having to recruit and replace team members.

As you’ll hear in the video, workplace flexibility doesn’t just refer to remote work (though it can). It may include things like part-time hours, split shifts, fluctuating start/end times, job sharing or even temporary arrangements to accommodate things like taking a class that’s only available during work hours or needing to provide care to family member.

The examples and options are vast, as are the benefits. Watch to see how and why Sodexo has made workplace flexibility a priority!