The Covid-19 pandemic has brought us a new normal. Flexible work has gone "from being a 'nice to have' to an absolute necessity," according to a new survey of 800 employees published August 28th  by FlexJobs. According to the survey, 48% of respondents with flexible work options rate their work-life balance as very good or excellent, while only 36% of workers without flex work options say the same.

Employees with flexible work arrangements are also more likely (54% vs. 45%) than those without to say they have the emotional support they need to manage stress, and also say they are much more likely (57% vs. 37%) to be able to change the stressful things about their work.

Remote work is also becoming workers' preferred method, as they are less interested in returning to full-time office work. Two-thirds (66%) of those surveyed said they would prefer to work remotely full-time after the pandemic is over, while 33% favored a blended approach. Less than 2% want to be in the office full-time.

Unfortunately, though, employers aren’t always willing to discuss mental health issues—66% of employees without flexible work options (compared to 52% with) say their workplace does not encourage open conversations about burnout and mental health. Of the workers who have experienced burnout at work, 25% with work flexibility were able to have really productive conversations with HR about their struggles. Only 15% without flexible work options agree.

I think the bottom line is this: Workers want and need flexible work options. They did before the pandemic and they do even more so now. Companies that give employees what they need to work are going to get the best employees.