The key to reducing anxiety and psychological distress in the workplace lies in providing employees with job flexibility and security, according to a new study published in JAMA Network Open. Researchers found that allowing employees to adjust their work schedules to accommodate personal and family obligations, along with providing advance notice of work hours, significantly lowered the odds of experiencing anxiety and severe psychological distress. This study included over 18,000 adults working full-time in the United States, with results showing that job flexibility and security were associated with lower rates of serious psychological distress and anxiety.
Lead author Monica Wang and her team analyzed data from the 2021 National Health Institute Survey, focusing on work absenteeism, mental health, and access to mental health care among participants. Of the 18,144 individuals included in the study, 3% reported serious psychological distress, while 31.4% experienced anxiety symptoms a few times a year and 12% felt anxious every day. The majority of participants were receiving mental health counseling, with only 11.4% not seeking therapy in the past year. Wang and her colleagues found that greater job flexibility and security were linked to 26% and 25% lower odds of experiencing serious psychological distress and anxiety, respectively.
The results of this study highlight the importance of job flexibility in helping employees balance work and personal life commitments. By allowing employees to adjust their work hours or work remotely, organizations can reduce stress and anxiety related to managing competing demands. Flexible job arrangements also give employees more control over their schedules, making it easier to meet personal and family obligations. This balance can lead to reduced burnout, psychological distress, and improved mental health for employees.
Job security was also found to be a key factor in decreasing work absenteeism, as higher job satisfaction leads to lower rates of mental health problems and absenteeism. The association between job flexibility, security, and absenteeism may vary depending on individual needs, priorities, and workplace culture. However, providing employees with job security can lead to decreased job-related stress and financial security, ultimately improving mental well-being. The ability to take sick, medical, and personal time is crucial in maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
On the other hand, job insecurity and unemployment have been linked to depressive symptoms and increased psychological distress. Instability in work schedules has also been shown to contribute to job absenteeism. The Covid-19 pandemic has further exacerbated job insecurity, with millions of jobs lost and low-wage workers disproportionately affected. Researchers emphasize the need for organizations to prioritize job flexibility and security to promote better mental health outcomes among employees. Investing in training and upskilling programs, expanding flexible work schedules, and providing remote or hybrid work options are some approaches that can help create a supportive work environment.
