This archive report was first published on 7 August 2019.
As the world of work continues to evolve, traditional 8am to 5pm schedules are becoming a thing of the past. With technology making it easier to work anywhere, anytime, employees are now prioritizing flexibility in their work schedule.
According to Paul Burrin, vice-president at Sage People, more than 80% of 3,500 employees polled globally placed importance and value on flexible and remote working. This shift towards flexibility is driven by the need to balance work and personal responsibilities, whether it's to meet family needs, personal obligations, or simply to avoid rush hour.
So, why should businesses adopt flexible working? Here are seven key reasons:
1. The World of Work Has Changed ¶
The line between work life and home life is much more blurred than it was just a few years ago. With the rise of virtual meetings, remote work, and 'duvet days', businesses must be prepared to accept that the working world has changed.
2. There's a War for Talent ¶
With top talent becoming more challenging to attract and retain, many industries are facing widespread skills shortages. Flexible working is a key factor in attracting and retaining the best talent, with 54% of people willing to move jobs to gain greater flexibility.
3. Flexible Working Boosts Productivity ¶
Workforce productivity has become a global issue, with employees typically working only 30 hours a week. Flexible working can help to revolutionize productivity, enabling employees to work in the way that best suits them.
4. Flexible Working Empowers Employees ¶
Workers want to feel valued and recognized, with two-thirds (66%) of those surveyed seeing this as the most important aspect of their working life. Giving employees the freedom to work in their own way shows they are a valued and trusted member of the team.
5. It Supports Worker Wellbeing ¶
The health and wellbeing of staff has become a priority for businesses, with initiatives such as providing fresh fruit or offering a subsidised gym membership now proving popular. Flexible working can help to reduce stress and improve overall wellbeing.
6. Employees Want Flexible Working ¶
According to Fuze, nearly 50% of workers across all generations want to be more mobile at work, rising to 70% for those aged 16 to 44. Employees want to be able to pick up their kids from school, start and finish early if they have international calls, or be able to head to a doctor's appointment without fear of being considered to be slacking.
7. Technology Has Changed ¶
The most straightforward argument for remote working is that staff simply no longer need to be in the office to do their jobs effectively. With cloud technology and collaboration tools, employees can work from anywhere, at any time.
Ultimately, enabling flexible working should be a focus for all businesses. From aiding talent retention to creating positive workplace experiences, the long- and short-term benefits could prove invaluable.
