The tension between employees craving flexibility and employers hesitant to fully embrace hybrid working models is palpable in today's job market. Remote work, working from home, and flexible working patterns existed pre-pandemic, but the global shift to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally altered our expectations. Now more than ever, work arrangements must align with what employees truly value.
At Select Recruitment, we've been observing this shift closely. To get a pulse on the situation, we recently conducted two LinkedIn polls that shed light on the evolving landscape of work preferences.
Why Flexibility Matters: Benefits for All
For Employees
Flexible work arrangements aren't just a perk; they're increasingly a necessity for attracting and retaining top talent. According to the CIPD, the ability to work from home, set their own hours, or choose a hybrid model empowers employees to:
Manage personal commitments: Childcare, appointments, etc.
Reduce stress: Less commuting, more time for self-care
Optimise their workday: Work when they're most productive
With these freedoms in place, employees gain the benefits of an improved work-life balance, due to factors including less commuting time, leading to more personal time. They also enjoy greater job satisfaction from more control over their schedules and workspaces, which for a lot of people can lead to increased productivity, bringing benefits to the employer too.
For Employers
Flexibility isn't just about keeping employees happy; these days it's a strategic advantage. ACAS reports that only 30% of job adverts posted online explicitly mention flexible working, so adopting these policies can put you ahead of the competition.
But that's not the only advantage; embracing these policies also brings a lot of other benefits for companies too, including:
Tapping into a bigger talent pool: Not limited by geography
Reducing absenteeism: Employees can work even when slightly unwell
Fostering a culture of trust and autonomy: Motivates employees
Boosting morale and retention: Happier, more engaged employees.
Reducing overhead costs: Potentially downsize office space
Poll Results: A Resounding Preference for Flexibility
Poll 1: The Ideal Working Model
Our first poll asked respondents what their ideal work setup would be, and here are the results:
Work From Home (Fully Remote): 23%
Majority Work From Home: 47%
Majority Office Work: 25%
Office Work (Fully On-site): 5%
The results are clear: a staggering 70% of respondents prefer working from home either most or all of the time. This underscores the value employees place on autonomy and flexibility in their work lives.
95% of all respondents indicated a preference for at least some working from home in their working pattern, with only 5% preferring to be in the office full-time. Going back even 5 years would have almost certainly given a very different set of results, with working from home seen as something limited to a select few types of roles.
Poll 2: The Dealbreaker of Limited Remote Work
Our second poll delved a bit deeper and asked a more pointed question: Would having only one day a week of work from home be a dealbreaker in considering a job offer?
Yes: 54%
No: 46%
While not a landslide, the majority (54%) indicated that limited remote options would indeed be a dealbreaker for them when looking for a new job. This highlights a potential risk for companies that are slow to adapt to the changes we've been seeing. The close result however does indicate that even one day working from home is enough for a lot of people. It demonstrates an employer's flexibility and their trust in their employees, which is a crucial factor for many when considering company culture.
Overall, these polls confirm the suspicions that I'm sure a lot of us have had. The change in attitudes to working patterns since the pandemic has been massive, and it represents a seismic shift that modern employers need to keep up with, or they risk falling behind and losing top talent.
The Risks for Companies: The Cost of Not Adapting
So what does this mean for companies looking to hire? The job market is a candidate-driven market in many sectors. Companies that cling to outdated, inflexible work models risk falling behind their competitors in several ways.
Firstly, they'll struggle to attract top talent, who are increasingly prioritising flexibility and work-life balance. This is especially true for younger generations who have grown up with technology and expect a level of autonomy in their work lives.
Secondly, companies with rigid work structures may find it difficult to retain their existing employees. Disgruntled employees who are forced to commute long distances or who feel they have no control over their work schedules are more likely to look for opportunities elsewhere.
Thirdly, a lack of flexibility can stifle innovation. Diverse teams with a variety of perspectives are more creative and better at problem-solving. Companies that limit remote working may miss out on the benefits of a wider talent pool and a more diverse workforce.
Select Recruitment: How We Can Help
At Select Recruitment, we understand the changing landscape of work. We're not just about filling vacancies; we're about connecting individuals with roles that align with their values and preferences, and partnering with businesses to fulfill their staffing and talent needs. Our approach is tailored to ensure that both job seekers and employers find the perfect match.
Our Commitment to Job Seekers
For job seekers, we provide comprehensive support throughout the job search process. We take the time to understand your career goals, work preferences, and personal values to match you with positions that truly fit. Whether you're seeking fully remote, hybrid, or flexible working arrangements, we have a wide network of employers who are embracing these models. Our services include:
Personalised Consultations: In-depth discussions to understand your unique needs and career aspirations
CV and Cover Letter Assistance: Helping you create compelling applications that stand out
Interview Coaching: Providing tips and strategies to help you succeed in interviews
Ongoing Support: Offering guidance and advice even after you've secured a position, ensuring a smooth transition
Our Commitment to Employers
For employers, we offer expert guidance on creating attractive work environments that not only draw top talent but also retain it. We understand that the future of work is flexible, and we help companies adapt to this new reality to keep up with the requirements of modern workers. Our services for employers include:
Talent Acquisition Strategies: Developing bespoke recruitment plans that align with your company's goals and culture
Flexible Work Policies: Advising on the implementation of remote, hybrid, and flexible working arrangements to enhance employee satisfaction and productivity
Workplace Culture Enhancement: Assisting in building a positive, inclusive, and dynamic work culture that appeals to diverse talent pools
Retention Programs: Crafting strategies to maintain high employee engagement and reduce turnover
Ready for a Change?
If you're dissatisfied with your current work arrangement, we're here to help. Contact us for a free consultation to explore job opportunities that offer the flexibility you deserve.
The future of work is flexible. Let's embrace it together.