One of the pandemic’s many lessons is that flexible work schedules are critically important not only to the physical and mental health of employees, but it can also lead to a productive and loyal workforce. Companies want their employees to rest up, recharge their batteries, feel great and be seen as a great place to work. The problem is that more than half of working Americans don’t use their paid time off (PTO), noted Ulises Orozco, a guest on my first Alchemist Lounge podcast whose mission is to turn human resources into a revenue center that’s the hub of any business and build key performance indicators.
Part of that involves figuring out ways to better administer PTO and compress the 9-5 workweek into four days for a more engaged, productive and resilient organization. Another proponent of the four-day workweek in the staffing industry is Jamie Baxter, who along with others believes that this could be the future of work. Encouraging employees to take more time off and allowing work to better accommodate their lifestyle is an exciting trend that gives employees a bit more freedom. Research shows that if people take regular breaks, then they’re actually more productive.
If I ever get stuck on something at work, going for a walk, playing drums or even taking the rest of the day off allows me to be more creative and productive. Companies that embrace this approach will find that it’s a secret weapon to happier employees, a better workplace environment and higher production. It’s a winning formula, but one that also must be extended beyond W-2 employees to a hard-working contingent labor force that’s playing a critical role in growing the U.S. economy.
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