FLEXIBLE WORKING PRACTICES ON THE INCREASE – UP BY 54% IN JUNE 2024 COMPARED TO JUNE 2023

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Jobs offering flexibility around working hours tripled in the last 12 months according to a survey by the CIPD.  79% of jobs advertised in June 2024 referenced the benefit of some form of flexible working up from 25% in the same period in 2023.  (CIPD, 2024).

The challenge for most businesses is adopting ways of working to support flexibility and to changing the mind set from working classic 37.5 hr week over 5 days.   One of the key factors was the introduction  of cloud based technology which enables effective remote working and this was driven by need over appetite to invest by the Covid pandemic.

Flexible working can take on many forms:  compressed hours, part-time hours, 9 day fortnights and hybrid working.

Evidence suggests that employees derive satisfaction from being trusted and this drives engagement and productivity (CIPD, 2024).   Flexibility is a key way for employers to show trust in employees and boost talent retention and attraction.    It does require a change in mindset for Executives and Senior Leadership teams but the option is to pilot changes to working practices after consultation with employees and to measure organisational and individual performance during the pilot before determining whether to make the change permanent.

Embracing the future of flexible working has many benefits for businesses and their most important asset, the workforce.

  • Empowering Employees
  • Boosting Productivity
  • Attracting & Retaining Top Talent
  • Reducing Overheads
  • Increasing Diversity & Inclusion

Highpoint works with a number of businesses that have adopted practices which allow compressed hours and 9 day fortnights.   One client in the recruitment space which traditionally worked 40hrs per week now operates a 4 day week.   The business continues to grow and staff motivation and commitment has increased in what was already a collaborative and committed team.  Another client has introduced a 4 day week in August to drive wellbeing amongst employees who work often work under pressure to meet client deadlines.

Considering changes to flexible working policies should be strategic and many factors need to be taken into consideration.   Highpoint and our HR Partner Consultancy are able to give advice and support to organisations on developing new policies and change management.