Great piece over at Discovery News late last week, highlighting research that shows flex workers work harder and often longer. The reason, researchers suggest, is that workers who feel like their employers have given them something special, work hard to give something extra special in return.
Among the findings highlighted, flex workers…
- Work more intensely
- Have higher job satisfaction
- Have less stress
- Are more loyal
One of the article’s sources attributes the phenomenon to social exchange theory–a sort of voluntary and informal repayment system between individuals. From the piece:
Over time, a series of positive social exchange transactions lead to strong relationships, whether it’s between individuals or an employee and a company. These transactions provide individuals and institutions alike with a way to build trust, since these exchanges usually aren’t obligatory.
Build trust and productivity at the same time? We’ve found it! Flex time–the holy grail of employee engagement.
(Well actually we found it several years ago. But we’d like to help you find it too. Call Life Meets Work at 1-888-462-LMW1 and we’ll point you in the right direction.)