Flexible work options in demand

Over half of UK employers say they would welcome flexible working legislation, despite extra costs involved. According to new research by Hays, 70% of respondents expect an increase in requests for flexible working and nearly 40% are bracing themselves for a resulting impact on their budgets.

The survey found that more private sector employers expect an increase in their costs if staff take up the offer of flexible working, than in the public sector (44%, compared to 33%).

Employers offer flexible working primarily as a way of supporting their employees, with just 18% reporting it is offered solely to comply with existing legislation. Only 29% feel offering flexible working is integral to the success of their business.

Still, almost half of all workers (46%) say their current employer does not encourage flexible working, rising to over half in the private sector alone. Furthermore, some of the options most sought after by employees are the ones they believe are unavailable.

Charles Logan, Director at Hays, commented says more needs to be done to make sure these options are implemented in the workplace. “The research shows clear evidence that flexible working can improve productivity and work-balance, if employers can make the types most desired by staff available,” he said.