Abstract
Purpose: This pilot feasibility study aimed to investigate the impact of flexible work schedules on the mental, psychological, and physical health of healthcare workers within a large hospital system.
Background: Traditional work schedules often negatively impact productivity, well-being, and job satisfaction. This study explored the feasibility and benefits of flexible workweeks among different nursing teams.
Methods: A quasi-experimental, mixed-methods, time-series design was implemented across a 12-hospital system with the partnership of 4-Day Global, a leading expert in flexible work schedules. Eligible participants were encouraged to flex their work hours daily or at least weekly. Clinical leaders ensured on-call coverage during flexible work periods. Participants were surveyed at baseline, midpoint, and post-trial to assess work time, job conditions, well-being, and environmental factors.
Results: A total of 173 exempt healthcare workers participated, representing the largest cohort studied globally on flexible work schedules in healthcare. While flexibility varied based on departmental leadership preferences, with some participants following structured reduced schedules and others having complete autonomy, all groups experienced significant improvements in well-being, work-life balance, and organizational outcomes. Notably, the group with complete schedule autonomy demonstrated the most significant improvements, suggesting the importance of agency and ownership in flexible work arrangements.
Limitations: Study results may not be generalizable due to the short duration (six months) and the limited participation of only exempt healthcare workers.
Conclusions: This pilot demonstrates the feasibility of implementing flexible work schedules in a large healthcare system. Such schedules can enhance team well-being, improve attitudes about job conditions, and improve work-life balance without compromising patient care. Future research should explore the long-term impacts and potential scalability of this model, with a focus on individualizing flexible work arrangements to meet the needs of different teams and departments. Additionally, investigating the potential benefits of self-scheduling autonomy for hourly workers could provide valuable insights into further optimizing flexible work arrangements within healthcare settings.
Notes
References:
IPPR. (2021). Changing times: The future of working time in Scotland. https://www.ippr.org/research/publications/changing-times
NEF. (2020). Making up for lost time. https://neweconomics.org/2020/06/makingup-for-lost-time
Schor, J. B., Fan, W., Kelly, O., Gu, G., Bezdenezhnykh, T., & Bridson-Hubbard, N. (2022). The Four Day Week: Assessing Global Trials of Reduced Work Time with No Reduction in Pay. Four Day Week Global.
WBG. (2022). A shorter working week could help to close the gender pay gap. https://wbg.org.uk/media/shorter-working-week-feminist-green-new-deal/
Workforce Institute. (2019). Generation Z in the workplace. Kronos Incorporated. PowerPoint Presentation (workforceinstitute.org)
Gallup. (2021). 4 Things Gen Z and Millennials Expect From Their Workplace. 4 Things Gen Z and Millennials Expect From Their Workplace (gallup.com)
Anders Fremstad, Mark Paul & Anthony Underwood (2019) Work Hours and CO2 Emissions: Evidence from U.S. Households, Review of Political Economy, 31:1, 42-59, DOI: 10.1080/09538259.2019.1592950
Sigma Membership
Non-member
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Quasi-Experimental Study, Other
Research Approach
Pilot/Exploratory Study
Keywords:
Workforce, Policy and Advocacy, Implementation Science
Recommended Citation
Calabro, Emily and Pop, Rodica, "Beyond the 9-to-5: The Rx for Happier Healthcare Workers" (2025). Creating Healthy Work Environments (CHWE). 117.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/chwe/2025/presentations_2025/117
Conference Name
Creating Healthy Work Environments
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Phoenix, Arizona, USA
Conference Year
2025
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Beyond the 9-to-5: The Rx for Happier Healthcare Workers
Phoenix, Arizona, USA
Purpose: This pilot feasibility study aimed to investigate the impact of flexible work schedules on the mental, psychological, and physical health of healthcare workers within a large hospital system.
Background: Traditional work schedules often negatively impact productivity, well-being, and job satisfaction. This study explored the feasibility and benefits of flexible workweeks among different nursing teams.
Methods: A quasi-experimental, mixed-methods, time-series design was implemented across a 12-hospital system with the partnership of 4-Day Global, a leading expert in flexible work schedules. Eligible participants were encouraged to flex their work hours daily or at least weekly. Clinical leaders ensured on-call coverage during flexible work periods. Participants were surveyed at baseline, midpoint, and post-trial to assess work time, job conditions, well-being, and environmental factors.
Results: A total of 173 exempt healthcare workers participated, representing the largest cohort studied globally on flexible work schedules in healthcare. While flexibility varied based on departmental leadership preferences, with some participants following structured reduced schedules and others having complete autonomy, all groups experienced significant improvements in well-being, work-life balance, and organizational outcomes. Notably, the group with complete schedule autonomy demonstrated the most significant improvements, suggesting the importance of agency and ownership in flexible work arrangements.
Limitations: Study results may not be generalizable due to the short duration (six months) and the limited participation of only exempt healthcare workers.
Conclusions: This pilot demonstrates the feasibility of implementing flexible work schedules in a large healthcare system. Such schedules can enhance team well-being, improve attitudes about job conditions, and improve work-life balance without compromising patient care. Future research should explore the long-term impacts and potential scalability of this model, with a focus on individualizing flexible work arrangements to meet the needs of different teams and departments. Additionally, investigating the potential benefits of self-scheduling autonomy for hourly workers could provide valuable insights into further optimizing flexible work arrangements within healthcare settings.
Description
This presentation explores the results of a pilot study investigating the impact of flexible work schedules on the mental, psychological, and physical health of healthcare workers. The study found significant improvements in well-being, work-life balance, and organizational outcomes among participants. Attendees will learn about the benefits of flexible work schedules, best practices for implementation, and strategies for overcoming challenges.