Workers with job flexibility and security have better mental health. Job flexibility and security were linked to significantly less psychological distress and anxiety.
Job Flexibility, Job Security, and Mental Health Among US Working Adults
Monica L. Wang, ScD, MS1,2; Marie-Rachelle Narcisse, PhD3; Katherine Togher, MPH, RD1; et alPearl A. McElfish, PhD4
JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(3):e243439. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.3439
Key Points
Question How are job characteristics, such as job flexibility and job security, associated with employee mental health, work absenteeism, and mental health care use?Findings In this cross-sectional study of 18 144 US adults who were employed, greater job flexibility was significantly associated with reduced odds of experiencing serious psychological distress and experiencing anxiety. Greater job security was significantly associated with reduced odds of experiencing serious psychological distress and experiencing anxiety.Meaning These findings suggest that implementing workplace changes and policies that increase job flexibility and security may reduce work-related stress and facilitate improved employee mental health.... read more