Encouraging people to work from home doesn’t just appeal to employees; it could help build trust and increase productivity, according to an MIT study. The Executive Education program at MIT Sloan School of Management piloted a flex time scheme in which a team of 35 employees were encouraged to work remotely at least two days per week, were able to work hours that suited them, and weren’t expected to be connected 24/7. They were expected to make it into the office at least one day a week.
The power of flexibility
Following the six-month trial, 100% of employees said they would recommend working remotely. Staff reported feeling less stressed, with reduction in commute time having a big impact on stress levels. Associate Dean of the Executive Education program at MIT, Peter Hirst, discussed the outcomes of the pilot in an article for Harvard Business Review.
He noted that by reducing the number of days staff needed to commute a core area of stress was eliminated. “That benefit should reap results in healthier and happier employees who take fewer unplanned sick days,” he said. The scheme also found flex time increased worker productivity and therefore led to financial gain.
It’s a matter of trust