The freelance industry has recently garnered attention and has recently elicited discussion in the workforce community. Albeit the industry has emerged more than a decade ago, it is only now that people have been vocal in their interest in the industry.
Despite the security monthly paychecks could offer, some individuals still prefer freelancing because of the freedom it offers. Freelancers have the liberty to be flexible with their work schedule, the privilege of an unbothered Internet access, and the access to an array of opportunities for skills growth. Moreover, freelancing does not restrict individuals and is open to all regardless of one’s demographics.
People see freelancing as an industry that offers a balanced work-family life – that is, the ability to choose what to work, where to work, and when to work while not compromising their productivity and their family time.
Some argue that full-time employment still provides more opportunities and better benefits as compared to freelancing; and while this is try, people who work full-time also experience adverse effects, particularly in their health and well-being
According to a conducted survey, only 1.14 percent of the respondents who work full-time in private corporations said that they get sufficient rest. This result is alarming because insufficient rest and sleep deprivation makes one more prone to diseases and, worse, decreases one’s life expectancy.
Moreover, studies showed that people who work full-time are more prone to stress because of the lack of fun, leisure, and relaxation time; thus, leaving them in a tedious work-and-home routine.
The same survey reported that out of the total number of respondents who work full-time, only 3.41 percent said that they have ample time for recreational activities. This also goes for the respondents who said that they have a balanced work-family life.
According to medical studies, lack of leisure and relaxation time is said to cause insomnia, depression, and other mental health illnesses.
Taking all these into consideration, it can be concluded that workers who work in a stressful environment are more prone to stress and sickness and, thus, compromising work productivity. Likewise, it can be concluded that workers who work in a healthy workplace environment and have the privilege and access to fun, leisure, and relaxation time are less prone to stress and sickness and, thus, have more energy and more drive to work productively – contributing significantly to the company.
Employers can achieve this healthy workplace environment by allowing their employees ample breaktimes and nap-times to de-stress and relax. Giving them regular breaks will not only relieve them of muscle fatigue and eye strain but will also restore their level of concentration, thus, restoring and ensuring work productivity as well.
Employers can also organize health, wellness, and lifestyle programs and team building activities to not only promote a healthy lifestyle to their employees but to also foster healthy social relationships amongst them.
But creating a healthy workplace environment need not be grand. Employers can achieve this through the little things – having a clearer and better communication with their employees, showing appreciation to their workers, listening to their suggestions, ideas, and sentiments, and respecting them not just as workers of the company but as individuals.
Beyond providing and fostering a healthy workplace environment for their employees, this encourages, promotes, and adheres to the company’s corporate responsibility – that is, taking responsibility and being accountable to its impact not only to the environment and the community but to their workers as well.
