Employee Health and Well-Being: The Role of Flexibility and Work-Family Balance

There is substantial interest in the potential health effects of workplace flexibility; however, the literature linking flexibility to health is limited. The purpose of this study was to enhance understanding of the potential benefits of flexibility for employee health and well-being. Additionally, this study determines if this association is mediated by work-family balance. Results from longitudinal data obtained from a large multinational company showed that increased flexibility was associated with decreased sickness absence and work-related impairment and improved job commitment over a 1-year period. Furthermore, work-family balance partially mediated the effects of flexibility on impairment and job commitment but not sickness absence. This study strengthens the evidence base for the beneficial health effects of workplace flexibility and suggests that organizations benefit from building a culture of flexibility in the organization.