No flexibility? I don’t want the job, says Regus report
dubai — Flexible working models are increasingly becoming a must have for workers across the globe, due to the wide array of benefits that they offer.
Many workers have reported that they would actually go as far as turning down a job if flexibility was not on offer at all, highlighting what an important retention tool flexible working has become. The latest research by Regus, the global workplace provider, has reveled that 61 per cent of workers would now turn down a job where flexibility was ruled out entirely; and that almost half reported that they would have stayed longer in a previous job had flexible working been an option.
Almost 40,000 business people globally were interviewed and they revealed that flexible working can bring about a startlingly wide array of benefits. Specifically, working closer to home helps workers feel more rested and lead healthier lifestyles, perhaps as it reduces stressful commutes or allows them to cycle or walk to work. Perhaps more importantly, access to locations
Businesses wanting to attract and retain highly skilled and valuable workers cannot afford to ignore how important providing a good work/life balance has become Kory Thompson, Country manager, UAE, Oman and Kuwait
closer to work also mean that workers can spend more time with their families and friends.
Kory Thompson, country manager for the UAE, Oman and Kuwait at Regus, noted: “Flexibility, and specifically the ability to choose to work from a location closer to home are becoming ever more important to helping modern workers find a balance between their hectic work lives and their physical and emotional demands. Businesses wanting to attract and retain highly skilled and valuable workers cannot afford to ignore how important providing a good work/life balance has become.”
“What is surprising is the range and breadth of benefits that business people see derive from working closer to home: from being able to cycle in to work, to getting a liein, the benefits also translate in greater mindfulness and better health as well as more time to spend with loved ones and on hobbies,” Thompson added.
The research showed that flexible workers are seen as having more spare time by 78 per cent of respondents, as they can choose work location and workload; while four fifths say flexible workers are better able to juggle personal and professional demands. Around 69 per cent say that flexible workers are more mindful and are better able to assess their levels of wellbeing.
Not only do business people think that flexible workers are more rested as they cut down gruelling commutes, but that they are healthier for it, and in a better position to hit the gym more often. Most importantly though flexible working is seen as helping people spend more time with family and friends so it is not surprising that a huge 93 per cent would pick a job that offers flexibility between two similar positions.
— rohma@khaleejtimes.com