Flexible working not just for mothers, says largest ever study of UK workforce
Flexible working is not just for mothers, the largest and most focused review of Britain's permanent workforce has found.
New research from flexible working experts Timewise has revealed that almost nine in ten (87 per cent) of the UK’s full-time workforce either currently work flexibly or would like to do so. Eight-four per cent of the men surveyed work flexibly or wish to do so compared to 91 per cent of women.
It polled 3,000 UK adults on how they work, how important flexible working is as a benefit, and their motivations for needing or wanting working patterns that don't fit the 9-to-5 mould.
Flexible working was defined as either part time, or if full time, a work pattern that involves reduced hours, shift choices or the ability to work at home for some, or all, of the working week.
The survey wants to 'bust the mum myth' and do away with preconceptions that flexible working is only for women with children, or those with parenting responsibilities.
It found that millennials are leading the pack when it comes to new ways of working, with seven in ten (73 per cent) of those aged 18 to 34 who are working full time, doing so flexibly. Of the 37 per cent of full time workers who do not work flexibly, 64 per cent would prefer to. The research also showed that 72 per cent of those aged over 55 either currently work flexibly, would like to work flexibly or would prefer to work part time.
The main reasons put forward as to why workers would wish to work flexibly include increased control over their work/life balance, reducing their energy-sapping commute, allowing more time for leisure and study, and more opportunities to care for children and other dependents.
Unfortunately, employers still have a long way to go to satisfy the flexible working desires of the nation, with less than one in 10 quality jobs – paying £20,000 FTE or above – advertised as being open to flexible working options.
Karen Mattison MBE, joint CEO of Timewise, says: “The fact that flexible working has been seen as a women’s issue has not done women or businesses any favours. Today’s new research shows once and for all, that flexible working is a preferred way of working for both men and women at all stages of their working lives.
"Today’s workforce not only want it, but they expect it. It’s time for businesses to get smarter and use flexibility as a tool to attract and keep the best people. Those who lag behind in adapting how they hire, will risk losing out on millions of skilled workers”.
Every employee in the UK has the statutory right to request flexible working after 26 weeks of employment. And yet a Trade Union Congress (TUC) survey of 1,000 parents earlier this month found that two out of five low-paid young parents who ask for flexible work arrangements are "penalised" as a result - either through worse shifts, fewer hours or even losing their job.
Multinational professional services firm, EY, have supported the new findings and flexible working patterns. On the report, Lynn Rattigan, Chief Operating Officer at EY UK & Ireland, says: "The working world is being transformed by advances in technology with the rise of the gig economy and a flexible working policy is no longer enough. Smart companies are already adapting by hiring flexibly, designing roles and working patterns creatively, and using more contingent workers – overall, establishing an agile working workforce and culture fit for the future."
