^Employers who have grown accustomed to flexible employment arrangements may soon face an unpleasant surprise.

On LinkedIn's behalf, a study by YouGov surveyed nearly 3,000 executives from organizations with at least 1,000 employees and at least £250 million in revenue ($288.5 million).

According to these statistics, remote job postings are declining. In India, for example, the number of remote job postings decreased by five percentage points since April, when they peaked at 20% of all job postings.

While this is still a good deal higher than pre-pandemic averages of 2%, it is still a stark contrast to what workers would like to see.

"Flexibility is an essential component of a successful work environment, enabling employees to find a balance between their professional and personal lives." - Stuart W. Crabb

Workplace flexibility is ranked as one of the most important objectives for workers after remuneration, alongside work-life balance, skills development, and compensation.

Even though the number of jobs requiring remote work has decreased in the United States, these advertisements still garner more than half of all applicants as of September.

Data shows that remote employment accounts for 14.6% of employment possibilities globally but receives 20.2% of application submissions. The number of remote jobs in India is 11.3%, while the number of resumes is 20.3%.

Remote Job Posts vs. Applications, September 2022

Why are businesses cutting back?

LinkedIn polled its users about remote employment options and found that the trend towards remote employment was correlated with the current economic environment.

As part of a survey of executives, they were asked if the Coronavirus outbreak would force their companies to adopt more flexible working practices. In response to this question, more than 68% of executives said yes.

The current economic uncertainty has resulted in corporations in all parts of the world freezing their recruitment efforts. As a result, business leaders are under tremendous pressure to reduce costs and increase efficiency to pursue these goals.

‍Trends in workforce confidence

In the absence of an epidemic leading to a move toward flexible working and corporate wellness programs to help workers, the balance of power is now in the hands of employers.

This report also found that the current economic uncertainty adversely affects other employee benefits. In other words, 70% of CEOs agreed that skill development might need to be emphasized less in the future, and 75% said that employee well-being would likely receive less attention.

The survival of businesses depends on their ability to adapt to changing conditions. Some companies might think they can save money by reducing benefits like flexible scheduling, but they could suffer long-term consequences.

In companies that lag behind in adopting flexible and remote working, employees risk becoming demotivated and leaving for rivals who offer more attractive options. In order to survive, businesses will have to be more adaptable.

Businesses are beginning to offer a broader range of perks as a way to keep and attract workers—many still recovering from the Great Resignation. There have even been some employers who have adopted a four-day workweek.

We at TheWellnessTribe believe that businesses must be able to adapt and be flexible in order to succeed in the future.

In the long run, the winners will be those who recognize this as an opportunity, adapt and iterate, and explore new working methods.

^We often praise perfectionism as a quality that propels us to greatness. Yet, recent research paints a more complex and troubling picture, particularly for our youth. The drive for flawlessness might actually be linked to anxiety, depression, and OCD among individuals aged 6-24. 

Here's a closer look into this study that may cause us to rethink our views on perfectionism.

Understanding Perfectionism

What is perfectionism, really? It's not simply about wanting things to be perfect. It's a multifaceted personality trait characterized by:

• High Standards: A relentless pursuit of excellence and accuracy.
• Self-Criticism: A harsh and often unforgiving view of one's own performance.
• Striving for Flawlessness: An ongoing need to achieve an unattainable ideal.

While this drive can fuel success, it's not without consequences. Perfectionism can lead to negative outcomes, especially among young people who are in a vulnerable phase of self-development.

The Two Sides of Perfectionism

Perfectionism isn't merely a monolithic trait; it's a multifaceted concept with layers that can either facilitate growth or foster discontent. Here's a closer examination of the two sides of perfectionism that the study sheds light on. You'll find that there's more to perfectionism than meets the eye.

1. The Drive to Excel

On one side of the coin, you have what's known as "perfectionistic strivings." This refers to the inherent desire to achieve high standards and excel in various pursuits. At its core, it's about setting ambitious goals and working diligently to attain them.

This form of perfectionism is not necessarily harmful. In fact, it can be a catalyst for growth, innovation, and success. It’s the fuel for athletes aiming for a gold medal or artists reaching for unparalleled creativity. 

When channeled positively, it becomes a driving force that propels individuals towards excellence without the self-flagellation often associated with perfectionism.

2. The Trap of Never Being Enough

The other side, however, is where the pitfalls lie. "Perfectionistic concerns" refer to an obsessive worry about achieving perfection, coupled with a constant fear of failure or judgment. This side of perfectionism can become a relentless chase, where the pursuit of flawless execution leads to an overwhelming sense of inadequacy.

Here, the standards are not just high; they are often unrealistic and unattainable. The fear of making a mistake or falling short can become paralyzing. 

It leads to stress, anxiety, and in some cases, even depression, OCD, and other mental health challenges. The desire for perfection becomes a burden rather than a motivator, leading to a cycle of self-criticism and dissatisfaction that can be difficult to break.

Not Just a Local Issue

The reality of perfectionism's impact stretches far beyond borders, cultures, and personal experiences. This isn't just a matter that concerns a select group; it's a global issue that resonates across various spheres of life. Here's an exploration of how and why perfectionism becomes a worldwide concern.

Consistency Across Cultures

The study found that the connections between perfectionism and mental health disorders such as anxiety, OCD, and depression were consistent across different countries. This provides compelling evidence that perfectionistic tendencies are not limited to specific cultural norms or societal pressures but are a human phenomenon.

It's not just about a high-achieving society or a competitive school system in one country. It's a shared struggle that transcends geographical locations. The pursuit of flawlessness has become a universal trait that may be rooted in shared human fears and desires. 

It calls for a broader understanding and acceptance that perfectionism and its consequences are common threads weaving through diverse human experiences.

Gender and Age: No Boundaries Here

What makes the study even more significant is its consistent findings across gender and age. The negative aspects of perfectionism don't seem to discriminate. Whether a young boy in his formative years or a teenage girl navigating the complexities of adolescence, the harmful side of striving for perfection manifests similarly.

The fact that perfectionistic concerns were found equally impacting both males and females suggests that societal pressures and personal aspirations are universally shared. 

Likewise, the consistency across different age groups within the 6-24 years range highlights that the struggle with perfectionism may begin quite early and extend through critical development stages.

The Dark Side of a Virtue

The research reveals that perfectionism can turn into a significant risk factor for developing psychopathology in young people. Particularly those who were already experiencing symptoms of anxiety, OCD, or depression showed even stronger connections with perfectionistic tendencies.

Moreover, the study found the association between perfectionism and psychopathology was even more pronounced in clinical samples than in non-clinical ones. It indicates that perfectionism is not just a quirk but a potentially severe issue that may require professional intervention.

Limitations and Path Forward

The study, while groundbreaking, had its limitations:

• Methodology: Most of the included studies were cross-sectional, limiting causal conclusions.
• Lack of Data: Variables like ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and cultural factors were unexamined.
• Quality Variance: The quality of the studies varied widely, indicating potential methodological biases.

Despite these limitations, the research opens up vital pathways for future exploration. There's a need for interventions focusing on reducing the harmful aspects of perfectionism. It's about finding a balance that fosters ambition without crippling fear.

A Time for Reflection

The perfect balance, the flawless execution, the unblemished record – these are ideals we often strive for, especially in our success-driven culture. But at what cost?

Perfectionism is a double-edged sword. What fuels some could destroy others. This study beckons us to reflect on how we approach perfectionism in our own lives and those of the young individuals around us.

It's a call for a cultural shift that not only celebrates achievement but also encourages growth, resilience, and self-compassion. We must build an environment that recognizes human value, embraces flaws, and nurtures the inherent potential in our youth – perfect or not.