Abstract
Purpose: This pilot feasibility study investigated the impact of flexible work schedules on the mental, psychological, and physical health of healthcare workers within a large hospital system, aiming to identify innovative leadership strategies for workforce planning and development.
Background: Traditional work schedules often negatively impact productivity, well-being, and job satisfaction, contributing to challenges in recruiting and retaining nurses. This study explored the feasibility and benefits of flexible work schedules as a leadership initiative to improve workforce well-being and retention.
Methods: A quasi-experimental, mixed-methods, time-series design was implemented across a 12-hospital system with the partnership of 4-Day Global. Eligible leadership teams were encouraged to flex their work hours daily or at least weekly. Clinical leaders ensured 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, all teams experienced significant improvements in well-being, work-life balance, and organizational outcomes. Notably, the team with complete schedule autonomy demonstrated the most significant improvements, suggesting the importance of agency and ownership in flexible work arrangements. All improvements were highly significant (p < .001), except for a significant reduction in work absenteeism (p < .01), exercise and pro-environmental behaviors (p<.05).
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 as an innovative leadership strategy to enhance workforce well-being, improve job conditions, and promote work-life balance without compromising patient care. This approach supports the development of future leaders by empowering nurses with greater autonomy and control over their work schedules.
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/
Additional reference list included in attached slide deck.
Sigma Membership
Non-member
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Quasi-Experimental Study, Other
Research Approach
Mixed/Multi Method Research
Keywords:
Global Leadership, Policy and Advocacy, Workforce, Leadership, Workforce Planning and Development, Flexible Work Schedules
Recommended Citation
Calabro, Emily and Pop, Rodica, "Transforming Nurse Leaders: The Power of Flexible Schedules in Healthcare" (2025). Biennial Convention (CONV). 157.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/convention/2025/presentations_2025/157
Conference Name
48th Biennial Convention
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Indianapolis, Indiana, 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. All permission requests should be directed accordingly and not to the Sigma Repository. All submitting authors or publishers have affirmed that when using material in their work where they do not own copyright, they have obtained permission of the copyright holder prior to submission and the rights holder has been acknowledged as necessary.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Date of Issue
2025-12-02
Funder(s)
Boston College; 4 Day Global
Transforming Nurse Leaders: The Power of Flexible Schedules in Healthcare
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Purpose: This pilot feasibility study investigated the impact of flexible work schedules on the mental, psychological, and physical health of healthcare workers within a large hospital system, aiming to identify innovative leadership strategies for workforce planning and development.
Background: Traditional work schedules often negatively impact productivity, well-being, and job satisfaction, contributing to challenges in recruiting and retaining nurses. This study explored the feasibility and benefits of flexible work schedules as a leadership initiative to improve workforce well-being and retention.
Methods: A quasi-experimental, mixed-methods, time-series design was implemented across a 12-hospital system with the partnership of 4-Day Global. Eligible leadership teams were encouraged to flex their work hours daily or at least weekly. Clinical leaders ensured 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, all teams experienced significant improvements in well-being, work-life balance, and organizational outcomes. Notably, the team with complete schedule autonomy demonstrated the most significant improvements, suggesting the importance of agency and ownership in flexible work arrangements. All improvements were highly significant (p < .001), except for a significant reduction in work absenteeism (p < .01), exercise and pro-environmental behaviors (p<.05).
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 as an innovative leadership strategy to enhance workforce well-being, improve job conditions, and promote work-life balance without compromising patient care. This approach supports the development of future leaders by empowering nurses with greater autonomy and control over their work schedules.
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.