Why some employers won’t give in to flexibility
More and more employees want autonomy at work – and it’s become a major factor in whether they quit. Why are some companies digging in their heels against it?
By | Alex Christian | www.bbc.com
Employee flexibility has been one of the biggest shake-ups in the changed world of work. In many cases, knowledge workers are now better able to fit their job demands around their personal lives – something they’ve relished, and are reluctant to surrender as employers call workers back into offices.
Workers also increasingly expect this autonomy to continue. According to a July 2022 study of 13,382 global workers by consulting firm McKinsey & Company, 40% said workplace flexibility was a top motivator in whether they stayed in a role, barely behind salary (41%). A lack of flexibility was also a major factor in resigning, with 26% saying this was a main cause for quitting their previous job. Similarly, a March 2022 Gallup study of more than 140,000 US employees, 54% of fully remote workers and 38% of hybrid workers said they would look for another job if their company stopped offering remote-work options.
The findings show flexibility has become a crucial factor in determining employee retention and attrition. Following the hiring crisis, employers are also more concerned about recruiting and retaining talent than ever. Indeed, some companies have gone above and beyond to help support workers who want flexible arrangements, introducing policies such as fully remote roles, asynchronous work and hybrid-working options.
