A recent study highlights ongoing challenges for remote and flexible workers.
- 27% of flexible workers feel they miss promotions.
- Millennials and older Gen Z are most affected by this issue.
- Employers are not aligning with employees’ flexibility desires.
- Cultural change is needed within organisations to retain talent.
A recent study indicates that 27% of office workers who work flexibly believe they have missed out on promotions or job opportunities. This sentiment is notably high among millennials and older Gen Z workers, with 37% of those aged 25-34 and 42% of those aged 35-44 feeling overlooked. The research, involving 1,000 office workers from the UK and US, was conducted by United Culture, experts in culture, employee engagement, and behavioural change.
There’s a notable disconnect between leadership and employees regarding work patterns. Many businesses are urging a return to full-time office work, yet employees highly value work-life balance and flexibility, chosen by 43% and 27% respectively. More than half of the workforce, at 57%, would consider leaving their current job if flexibility is reduced, with 14% ready to make an immediate exit.
Mavis Boniface of United Culture remarks on the disconnect, noting that despite significant changes in working patterns post-pandemic, many employers fail to recognise the integration of these norms into workers’ expectations. There’s a push from companies to revert to traditional setups, ignoring the preference for flexibility.
The study revealed that 25% of participants reported a reduction in flexible working options in the past year. This change is more pronounced among younger employees, with 44% of those aged 18-24 affected. Boniface highlights the importance of providing equal growth opportunities for all employees, regardless of their working style. She warns against favouring presenteeism over productivity, as it could drive talent away.
Employees express a clear demand for flexibility in both when they work, such as compressed hours, and where they work, as seen by 39% and 33% of preferences respectively. As more than half of workers operate under flexible conditions, these preferences are not merely trends but established expectations.
Ensuring equitable opportunities for remote workers is crucial to maintaining talent.
