Page 14 - PA_Enterprise_November-2022

PAE

Hybrid working has almost

tripled, but staff want more

flexibility in the office

A study has revealed that despite the rise of hybrid working
preferences, the office still has a valuable role to play, but
flexibility around hours is crucial in the modern world of work.

That’s according to The future of flexible working, published
by global leader in creating bespoke workplaces, Unispace.

In its report – which surveyed 3,000 office be attracted by flexi-working, with 90% of this
workers – Unispace found that hybrid working group admitting that the freedom to choose
has almost tripled since the pandemic, with their own hours would entice them back to the
63% of those surveyed now working in a office. This is compared to 70% of those living
hybrid way. The report also revealed that alone and 76% of those living with parents.
over three quarters (77%) said that flexible
start times would encourage them back to the Sector and area differences
workplace, indicating that employees seek The data also revealed nuances across
not only flexibility in where they work, but also sectors with 83% of legal professionals stating
when they work. that flexi-hours would encourage them back
to the office. This is indicative of a move
Flexibility for all away from the sector’s historical culture of
Flexible working demand is higher among long working hours. In the life-sciences and
certain demographics, with the report pharmaceuticals arena, which has traditionally
revealing that 86% of those with caring kept more regular hours, 71% of respondents
responsibilities desired flexible start times, said flexible hours would entice them back to
compared to 71% of those with no caring the workplace.
responsibilities.
Elsewhere, those who worked in urban areas
When analysed by life stage, the data were more likely to covet flexi-hours compared
revealed that 80% of individuals living as part to those working in suburban and rural
of a couple with dependent children and 76% offices (79% vs. 72% and 70% respectively),
of single parents wanted flexi-hours. Similarly, suggesting that a busy commute may
those with housemates were most likely to dissuade individuals from the usual nine-to-

14 November 2022