Flexible Working Conditions ‘Essential’ For Majority Of Employees

Over the last few years, flexible working conditions have become very important to employees.

In fact, for many it is such an essential factor when it comes to choosing a job that 80 per cent of people claimed they would turn down a position that did not offer flexible working arrangements if they were offered an alternative that did.

According to the International Workplace Group’s Global Workspace Survey, flexible working is growing in importance.

IWG founder and chief executive officer Mark Dixon said: “The idea of commuting for hours to work nine to five in a dreary office is fast becoming as about as relevant as a fax machine in the working day.”

Speaking with more than 15,000 business people from 80 nations, it determined that half of employees across the globe work outside of their main office headquarters for 2.5 days of the week.

This has not diminished productivity – in fact, it has helped to boost a positive work ethic. Indeed, 85 per cent of businesses have reported a more productive workplace and 67 per cent think flexibility can improve productivity by at least a fifth.

This movement has been driven by ‘Generation Flex’, who are dictating their working conditions, and are favouring companies that provide flexible arrangements.

Therefore, businesses wanting to attract highly skilled employees need to provide flexible working so they remain competitive. This is why 62 per cent of global enterprises now have a flexible workspace policy.

Mr Dixon went on to note companies that do not offer this will “risk lagging behind”.

To help your employees enjoy flexible working arrangements, you can give your staff smartphones with business telephone solutions so they can continue to be accessible even when they are not in the office.