The latest Flexible Working Index highlights the significant increase in jobs offering flexible working hours, reflecting changing employment trends.
- Demand and supply for flexible working hours have both seen a remarkable rise, with many job seekers prioritising this aspect of employment.
- The new Labour Government is actively supporting family-friendly jobs, pushing for flexible working hours as a standard right for employees.
- Employers’ inclination towards flexibility is evident with a substantial drop in vacancies offering rigid ‘core hours’.
- A strong shift in worker preferences is noted as more employees seek flexibility in both working hours and locations.
The latest analysis from the Flexible Working Index indicates a significant rise in the availability of jobs offering flexible working hours, a trend that is reshaping the employment landscape. Demand and supply for such roles have notably increased.
Recent data shows a more than threefold increase in positions that offer ‘a little flexibility’, such as variable start and finish times. This rise is in alignment with the new Labour Government’s family-friendly job initiatives, which aim to establish flexible working hours as a standard practice.
The adoption of flexible work schedules by employers has been significant, as evidenced by a marked decrease in job postings that rigidly adhere to ‘core hours’. The number of these roles has dwindled significantly, demonstrating a clear employer preference for flexibility.
A shift in worker preferences has been observed, with employees increasingly favouring roles that offer flexible hours and locations. The demand for ‘core hours’ roles, although declining, shows that some workers still value set schedules but the trend towards flexibility is stronger.
More workers have expressed the importance of flexible working hours in recent months. According to Molly Johnson-Jones, co-founder and CEO of Flexa, flexibility in working hours is more crucial now than at any time since the pandemic. This trend points to a desire for better work-life balance and diverse personal needs among the workforce.
The substantial rise in jobs offering flexible hours highlights a significant shift in both employment practices and worker preferences, signalling a forward-thinking approach to modern work environments.
