Clients could gain a competitive advantage by introducing flexible working practices, employment lawyers have been told.
The right to request flexible working was extended in 2014 to all employees with six months’ service. However, it remains significantly under-used as a work benefit, according to new research by flexible working advocate organisations, My Family Care and Hydrogen, launched at Norton Rose Fulbright’s London offices this week.
The research, The competitive advantage of flexible and family friendly working, is based on a survey of 1,587 employees and 310 employers. It found that more than half of the working population wanted the opportunity to work remotely or from home but only one third were encouraged to do so, with many respondents expressing concern about the stigma around it. Similarly, 63% of people would like to have flexible start and finish times but only 37% actually enjoy this benefit.
Flexible working is the top benefit cited by people looking for a new job. Four out of five look for flexible working options before joining a company.
