Flexible Work Schedules and Mental and Physical Health: A Study of a Working Population with Non-Traditional Work Hours

Martijn F. J. Martens et al

Keywords: Flexible Work Schedules, Mental Health, Physical Health, Shift Work, Well-Being

The Study: This study examined the relationship between flexible work schedules, mental health, and physical health among workers employed under non-traditional work hours. The aim was to determine whether different types of schedule flexibility influence health and well-being outcomes.

Main Findings: Workers with higher levels of scheduling flexibility reported better mental and physical well-being compared to those with rigid schedules. However, the benefits depended on the type of flexibility: when flexibility allowed worker autonomy, health outcomes improved, but organization-imposed flexibility did not yield the same advantages.

Practical Implications: Workplace policies that promote flexibility focused on employee autonomy can enhance health and well-being, while also boosting job satisfaction and reducing absenteeism. In contrast, employer-driven flexibility should be carefully reassessed, as it may not provide the same positive effects for workers.

Reference: Martens, M. F. J., Nijhuis, F. J. N., Van Boxtel, M. P. J., & Knottnerus, J. A. (1999). Flexible work schedules and mental and physical health. A study of a working population with non-traditional work hours. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 20(1), 35–46. https://doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1099-1379(199901)20:1<35::AID-JOB872>3.0.CO;2-Z

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