Flexible working is the business benefit at the top of almost every UK employee’s wish list.From potential candidates to long-term employees, juniors to executives, flexible working is the job benefit of choice.It has become so popular, that some HR experts are heralding the death of the typical 9 to 5 working day.But what makes it so popular and are there any real benefits to be gained in the workplace?Here are five benefits of flexible working and how it could have an impact on your workforce, team productivity and company morale.
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Traditionally, the image of productivity has been tied to long hours spent in the office. However, recent studies and real-world examples are breaking this myth.Here in the UK, research suggests a strong link between flexible working arrangements and increased employee productivity.The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) has conducted surveys showing a shift in employer attitudes towards flexible work. In April 2022, over 41% of British employers reported increased productivity because of home and hybrid working arrangements. This is a significant jump from 2020, highlighting a growing recognition of the benefits.Looking at broader trends, ONS data for Q2 2023 shows UK labour productivity (output per hour worked) exceeding pre-pandemic levels by 2.8%. This suggests a positive impact on how efficiently employees are working, and flexible working arrangements may be a contributing factor.Read more: Outcome-based work culture: why the UK's hybrid workplace demands it
The modern workplace can be a breeding ground for stress.In the UK, a recent report by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) paints a concerning picture.Their data shows that in 2023/24, work-related stress, anxiety, or depression accounted for 50% of all work-related ill health cases and resulted in an average of 17.3 days of sick leave per employee. This translates to significant costs for both employers and employees.Further to this, the Robert Half UK Salary Guide reported high rates of burnout as one of the top five concerns around retention of valued employees in 2024.“Flexible working should not be seen as just about convenience; it's a strategy for promoting a healthier, happier, and more productive workforce,” says Ellie Clutton, Practice Manager at Robert Half.“The benefit of flexible working allows employees to schedule personal appointments, manage childcare needs, or simply have more time for leisure activities. This reduces the pressure of juggling work and personal commitments, leading to lower stress levels.”
The concept of work-life balance has become a central theme in the modern UK workplace.Employees are increasingly seeking ways to achieve a healthy equilibrium between their professional and personal lives.This is not just about wanting more leisure time; it's about prioritising well-being and avoiding burnout.Studies by the Mental Health Foundation UK show a worrying trend: 1 in 6 UK adults experience mental health problems in a given week.Employees who are constantly stretched thin between work and personal commitments often experience decreased productivity and focus.And a lack of work-life balance can lead to high employee turnover. When employees feel overwhelmed and unable to manage their personal lives, they are more likely to seek new opportunities.Read more: The importance of work-life balance and how to avoid pitfalls
Happy employees are more engaged, productive, and less likely to leave their jobs.Surveys conducted in the UK paint a clear picture: flexible working arrangements are playing a key role in boosting employee satisfaction.A 2023 study by the ADP Research Institute found that 82% of UK employees who have flexible work arrangements report feeling satisfied with their jobs.The previously mentioned 2022 CIPD survey found that 67% of UK employees who have access to flexible work options report a good work-life balance. This suggests that flexible work empowers employees to achieve a healthy balance between their professional and personal lives, leading to greater satisfaction.“Flexible work arrangements can help reduce stress and burnout, leading to a more positive and upbeat work environment,” advised Ellie. “Happy employees are more likely to be collaborative, supportive of colleagues, and contribute to a positive company culture.”Another benefit of flexible working is that it fosters a sense of ownership over one's work schedule. This empowers employees to take control of their productivity and manage their time effectively.
The UK job market is experiencing a period of fierce competition.With a record low unemployment rate, skilled workers hold the power, and attracting and retaining top talent is a top priority for businesses.In this competitive landscape, flexible working arrangements are emerging as a powerful tool.Data from the Office for National Statistics shows the UK's unemployment rate at a historic low of 3.2% in Q1 2024.And studies by the CIPD show that 78% of UK employers believe offering flexible work arrangements gives them a competitive advantage in attracting talent.“The pandemic has fundamentally changed employee expectations,” commented Ellie. “Work-life balance, well-being, and a sense of autonomy are increasingly important factors for jobseekers, and companies that offer such benefits of flexible working will find they attract more talent.”Read more: How to manage a hybrid team: 5 actionable tips from leadership expert
“The future of flexible working in the UK is likely to see a continuation of the trends that many organisations are already witnessing, with an even greater emphasis on employee well-being and a focus on finding the right work-life balance for individuals,” believes Ellie.Flexible working arrangements are likely to become the norm rather than the exception. Businesses that don't offer flexible options may struggle to attract and retain top talent.The hybrid model, where employees split their time between working remotely and in the office, is likely to remain the most popular form of flexible work.Technological advancements will play a key role in facilitating seamless communication and collaboration within a flexible workforce. Cloud-based platforms, video conferencing tools, and project management software will be essential for efficient remote work.As more companies in the UK recognise the benefits of a flexible work model, expect to see continued innovation and adaptation in this area.The key will be striking a balance that fosters both productivity and well-being, creating a sustainable and successful work environment for all.
What are some implementation strategies for flexible working?A degree of technology may be needed to offer remote working to staff — you will need to be able to contact them throughout the day while they’re at home. This can be achieved through basic means, such as email, telecommuting or via an instant messaging app or platform. Some companies may also choose to use project management software with digital ticketing systems which make job progress tracking and communication more effective.Flexible working can be offered through something as simple as allowing staff to shift their working day by a few hours, either by coming in early and finishing early or vice versa. Some staff may even prefer to work from home at the weekend rather than a weekday. Expectations and guidelines surrounding this can be outlined in employee contracts.Is remote working a form of flexible working?Flexible working is a broad term that encompasses any work arrangement that deviates from the traditional, full-time office schedule. It focuses on providing employees with more control over when, where, and how they work.Remote working is a specific type of flexible work arrangement where employees perform their duties from a location outside of a traditional office setting, often from home.Are there disadvantages of flexible working that I should be aware of?Without a clear separation between work and personal space, it can be difficult for some employees to "switch off" mentally while working from home, which can lead to burnout and decreased well-being.For some employees, working remotely can lead to feelings of isolation and a lack of social interaction with colleagues. Building a sense of community and fostering virtual team building activities can help mitigate this.Another factor is when employees work remotely, there's an increased risk of data breaches or cyber-security issues. Businesses need to ensure proper security measures are in place for remote workers.What are compressed working hours?Compressed working hours, also referred to as a compressed workweek, is a specific type of flexible work arrangement.It allows employees to condense their work hours into fewer days, offering them more flexibility in how they structure their work and personal lives. For example, an employee might work a compressed schedule with four 10-hour days from home.What are some good reasons to reduce working hours?Reduced working may not be suitable for all industries or type of jobs, but some good reasons to reduce the working hours are improved work-life balance, better morale, increased productivity, and reduced absenteeism.However, some important consequences on the other side to consider include potential reduced business output, operational challenges, communication roadblocks, and difficulty managing large-scale projects with multiple stakeholders.
