It seems as if stress and anxiety are an integral part of our week as we struggle to get to our jobs at the same time every day and fulfill our duties, irregardless of whether or not we have enough to do. In the end, if we’re not worried about getting there on time, we’re stressed about finding a way to fill those interminable 8 hours.

Now, a recent review has determined that more flexibility in our work day may be the way to go, especially when the workers have some say in scheduling. These same flexible arrangements are already in place in some European countries, and the benefits are particularly relevant for workers with families. In fact, the British government promotes flexible working arrangements for workers with young children, such that parents of kids under the age of 16 are able to request more flexible hours.

The current review was undertaken in order to assess the effects that different work environments had on the employees health and mental outlook. By studying over 16,000 people, the researchers found that flexibility in work schedules resulted in improvements in such health indicators as blood pressure, sleep, and mental health. One example involved law enforcement officers who were able to modify the beginning of their work day. These workers displayed improvements in their psychological health when compared to officers who had more rigid hours.

The results of the analysis support the positive benefits for workers who have some degree of control over their working environment, as opposed to employees who have no control. However, it may be premature to offer any concrete recommendations at this time. Nonetheless, the findings might give employers something to think when they establish work schedules for their workforce.

The authors indicated that more studies need to be done which would look at the health effects of work schedules in light of different types of workers and working environments, which include gender considerations, age differences, and skill levels.

The idea of more flexibility in the work day is particularly relevant today because of the increasing number of hours that many workers put in. While the average work week for the salaried employee has remained fairly constant over the past two decades, there has been a fundamental shift in the working environment that has seen the highest paid workers putting in twice the number of hours than the lowest paid employees.

This time spent at work is often at the expense of time spent doing things that benefit a person’s health, including being with their families, exercising, taking the time to eat a healthy meal, and, of course, sleeping. The consequences of neglecting these quality of life aspects can be serious, an can increase the likelihood of such conditions as obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, and certain cancers.

The time may therefore be at hand for employers to allow for greater flexibility in their worker’s day. Not only might it result in a happier and healthier work force, which would in turn encourage loyal workers, but it could very well make them more productive and efficient, as well.