Flexible working in the UK is a highly sought after factor when considering career prospects and job offers. There are some industries where it would be difficult to offer flexible working due to the nature of the business, and yet there are industries that are simply missing out by offering flexible working.
Powownow’s recent stats show that 67% of employees wish they were offered flexible working, and 70% of workers feel that a job is more attractive when flexible working is offered. Wow. These stats should turn heads in the HR weekly meeting room. Tony Ferrari, director of e-commerce packaging company Big Brown Box, which employs multi-jobbers agrees “there is no such thing now as business hours…employers should be more open to flexibly working as it could enhance their business model.” The technological advantages today in businesses virtually and practically assist an always-on notion wherever the employee may be whether that’s from home before or after regular business hours.
Jacques de la Bouilleries, MD of staffing platform Coople, says flexible working is not just about flexible hours but also about “flexible work lives” which in turns leads to an increase in productivity, because staff whose employers accommodate their needs to work more flexibly are more conscientious. For example, for working parents’ flexible working is practically a must where nursery/school drop offs and pick-ups need to be factored in.
An area of flexible working would be advantageous to an employee are where the commute is of a considerable distance. Long commutes are causing poor health and productivity outcomes for the UK’s employees, according to a study of more than 34,000 workers developed by VitalityHealth in partnership with the University of RAND Europe and Mercer, where the study examined the impact of commuting as well as flexible and home working on employee health and productivity.
For anyone affected by Southern Rail strikes (hands up please) you all know the utter stress it causes before you’ve even arrived at work. The strikes have been known to cause major negative factors for employees, some having to reconsider their career simply because the on-going strikes have caused so much stress and delay to and from work. Shaun Subel, Director of Strategy at VitalityHealth, said: “Allowing employees the flexibility to avoid the rush-hour commute where possible, or fit their routine around other commitments can help reduce stress and promote healthier lifestyle choices and, more importantly, this is shown to actually impact positively on productivity. If an employee gets so stressed before they’ve arrived they’re not going to bring their A-game to the table.
Flexible working is in high demand as the Powownow stats show. Where an employee feels their company is helping take care of them they feel valued and in turn show their appreciation by working that much harder. For employee retention and attractiveness to prospective employees introducing flexible working is a major benefit. At Share Your Job we believe flexible working is the way forward for a flexible work life balance, do get in touch or register on our website http://shareyourjob.com/ to find a job share partner to create a better balance in your life.
