We've all heard the old cliché about working smarter, not harder. In that vein, the chronoworking trend involves individuals adapting their work schedules to their natural circadian rhythms. For instance, some people work better early in the morning, while others are more productive late into the night. The term, coined by Stylist Magazine's deputy digital editor Ellen Scott, encompasses both work and general health concerns.

The trend comes from the word chronotypes, which are rhythmic patterns in the human body that determine the best time to sleep, eat, exercise, and work. According to clinical psychologist Michael Breus, 55 percent of people are most productive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., conflicting with the typical US 9-to-5 workday. Further, according to sleep expert Lindsay Browning, chronoworking can improve employees' sleep health.

As such, companies could benefit from allowing employees to craft a more flexible schedule because it could boost performance, well-being, and retention.