Should Flexible Working Opportunities Be Included in All Job Listings?

A question we asked on LinkedIn, and the feedback we received made us wonder if flexible working is fading away or if it will continue to expand across more industries and job roles in the future.

Exploring the topic further, we decided to do some research to understand the potential impact across different job sectors.

Despite the potential benefits only 9.8% of jobs are advertised as flexible at hiring stage.

Approximately 54% of the working population is currently engaged in part-time or flexible roles, highlighting a notable shift towards non-traditional work arrangements.

According to Equality Human Rights there is a rising demand for flexible working. Around 8.7 million full-time workers say they want to work flexibly. A large part of the demand comes from people who have caring responsibilities and parents who need childcare help.

Another large factor where demands for flexible working is apparent is due to the cost-of-living crisis. As the cost of living continues to rise, individuals are increasingly motivated to explore options for reducing their office commute frequency, aiming to alleviate financial strain associated with transportation expenses.

While flexible working arrangements can benefit many industries, it’s important to recognise that they may not be suitable for all sectors.

So, what can be done to address the suitability of flexible working across industries?

Organisations can take a balanced approach by looking at the type of work, what clients need, and what employees prefer. They can try mixing in-person and remote work, offer training and tools to help people collaborate from afar, and keep communication open to tackle any issues and adjust policies accordingly.

Research shows the benefits that flexible working has on employees.

These benefits include:

• Improved work-life balance: Allows individuals to better balance their work commitments and personal responsibilities
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• Increased autonomy and control: Allows individuals to have a much greater control over their schedules allowing them to manager their time in ways that best suit their needs and preferences.
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• Enhanced productivity: Allows people to have the freedom to work during their most productive hours and environments.
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• Increased job satisfaction: Employees will be satisfied with their job which will lead them to stay with their employer’s long term.
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How do you feel about flexible working arrangements, and do you believe they positively impact work-life balance and productivity?