According to a recent study, most employees would consider quitting if restrictions on flexible working hours were introduced.
United Culture, a consultancy that specializes in engagement, found in a study that three out of five respondents (57%) would consider or leave their current company if they were restricted in the flexibility offered. One in seven (14%) would be forced to leave.
The Remastered 2024 study, conducted with 1,000 office workers from the UK and US, revealed a disconnect between employee and employer needs. The survey revealed that flexibility and work-life balance are two of the most important factors for individuals. These are noted by 43%, and 27%, respectively. This is at a time where a growing number organisations demand full-time employees.
Mavis Boniface is the global operations director of United Culture. She said that “working patterns have changed post-pandemic.” It seems that many employers have not yet grasped the extent to what the new “norms” are embedded in public consciousness or are still trying to drag people back into the office.
In addition, one-quarter (25%) of respondents said that their employer has changed or reduced the options they have to work flexible hours in the last 12 months. This number increases to 44% for 18-24-year olds.
Around three-quarters (60%) of respondents work flexible hours, and two-thirds (39%) want more flexibility in their work schedules, including early or late finishes, compressed hours, etc. According to research, one in three respondents (33%) wants more flexibility about where they can work.
This study found that flexible working hinders career advancement. More than one-fourth (27%) respondents who worked flexibly were overlooked for a job or promotion.
This is a problem that Millennials, and older Gen-Z workers have experienced. 37% of those aged 25-34 and 42% of those aged 35-44 believe they were passed over.
Boniface continued: “Flexibility has a great importance for all employees, especially younger ones who will be the future leaders. Flexibility is important for all employees, but especially younger ones who are the future leaders.
It comes down to cultural change within each organization. The same opportunities for development must be given to those who are flexible and show up at work. Leaders who reward presenteeism instead of productivity are putting their companies in big trouble.
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