New findings show many employers shifting to flexible hours amid office returns
Many employers across New Zealand seem to be going against the return to full-time office work by offering employees greater access to flexible working hours.
Almost all (99%) respondents in Robert Half's latest poll among 500 full-time employees revealed they have flexible working hours.
According to the report, 59% of employees say their employer increased flexible working hours compared to last year, with 19% saying it has been increased significantly.
"The widespread adoption of flexible working hours demonstrates that employers are acknowledging the employee demand for more work-life balance and aiming to develop a more attractive and competitive work environment to secure and retain top talent," said Ronil Singh, Director at Robert Half, in a statement.
The rise in flexible working hours comes as full-time office return policies are rolled out in New Zealand workplaces, similar to the situation in other organisations worldwide.
Robert Half's report revealed that 39% of workers have working from home or hybrid working options, while 61% of employers are expecting workers to come back in the office full time.
Flexible working hours can be implemented differently, whether through flexible start and finish times, compressed work weeks, or flexitime, according to Robert Half.
Its implementation has delivered various benefits for employees, with two in three workers saying flexible working hours positively impacted their productivity. Other improvements cited are:
Singh said these benefits show that the pronounced shift to flexible work hours is a "win-win" for employees and organisations.
However, he warned that flexible working hours are not a "one-size-fits-all" solution.
"The real challenge lies in understanding what 'flexibility' truly means for each individual and creating a work environment where it is genuinely embraced and facilitated," the director said.
