Home 9 HR 9 A majority of employees would consider leaving their employer if their option to work from home was removed

A majority of employees would consider leaving their employer if their option to work from home was removed

by | Apr 11, 2022 16:29

Hybrid working practices formed in the crucible of the pandemic are changing when and where we work. The stakes are high. The so-called Great Resignation or Great Re-evaluation spurred by the Covid-19 pandemic is prompting high attrition, record pay awards, and deepening skills shortages. Employees want meaningful work with employers whose purpose makes sense to them. They also want to feel valued, cared for and like they can progress.

Critics of the five-day week say this cornerstone of working life is no longer fit for purpose in post-industrial economies of the twenty-first century, linking it to poor wellbeing and productivity.

Instead, hybrid working patterns that combine the flexibility of working hours with where we work are shaking up the working week as we emerge from Covid-19 restrictions in many parts of the world and return to “business as normal”. So much so that last year, data from HR software provider CharlieHR suggested fewer than 5% of SMEs would return to the nine-five/five-day week post lockdown. 

A significant amount of research also shows that a majority of employees would consider leaving their employer if their option to work from home was removed. In the workplace, organisations of all sizes and representing diverse sectors are arguing the case – and indeed piloting – a four-day working week: Microsoft, Unilever, Morrisons and Durham-based online challenger bank Atom among them.

After being on the horizon for at least a decade, the reality of the four-day week movement is now with us. It’s easy to see why. The benefits resonate with many key issues in today’s workplaces: wellbeing, diversity, equity and inclusion, sustainability, purpose, and performance. From an environmental perspective alone, if the UK moved to a four-day week by 2025, emissions would shrink by 127 million tonnes, or 20%, helping the country to meet its 2030 greenhouse gas reduction goals. In February, the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, Sophie Howe, followed governments in Scotland and Ireland to advocate a shorter working week trial for Wales. “It’s clear that following the pandemic, people across Wales are re-evaluating their priorities in life and looking for a healthier work-life balance.”Highlighting the escalating demands of caring for loved ones due to an aging population and an increase in mental health issues exacerbated by working long hours, Sophie Howe added “a shorter working week can result in increased productivity, which will be of huge benefit to employers for a happier, healthier workforce.”

If not managed well and without an appropriate supporting culture, compressing hours into fewer days can lead to employee burnout and higher stress levels. Scheduling challenges in production and manufacturing for example may also mean working four-day weeks is simply not possible for all employees. Staying connected with colleagues can be a further challenge in hybrid and reduced hours working, which can counter other positive impacts.

While the four-day week clearly has its benefits and can be a game-changer, it is not the only option on the table. Hybrid and other forms of working, such as making all jobs flexible from day one, are other ways to achieve recruitment, retention, well-being, and inclusion outcomes. The HR and people profession has a vital role to play in helping employers develop the right culture and policies and in training managers to support a more flexible workforce.

Source: Relocate Magazine, March 2022

Related Posts

China Extends Tax Breaks for Foreign Workers Until 2027

China Extends Tax Breaks for Foreign Workers Until 2027

In a significant announcement, China has extended its preferential tax policies for foreign nationals working within the country, ensuring their continuity until the end of 2027. This development marks a pivotal shift from the initial plan, which aimed to remove...

5 Essential Traits for Building a High-Performing Team

5 Essential Traits for Building a High-Performing Team

Are you struggling to build a high-performing team? Do you find it challenging to bring together individuals who work seamlessly towards a common goal? If so, you're not alone. Creating a cohesive and productive group is a universal challenge for companies across...

The Power of Global Teams in Today’s Business Landscape

The Power of Global Teams in Today’s Business Landscape

The workforce has undergone significant changes, which have had an impact on how businesses function. In 2020, remote work increased significantly due to the global pandemic. In 2022, the trend will gain momentum and global teams become more strategic. Businesses are...

Remote Workers and Global Tax Compliance

Remote Workers and Global Tax Compliance

Remote work is the practice of working outside a traditional office environment. With advancements in technology, individuals can now perform their job duties from their homes, co-working spaces, or even while travelling. Remote work offers a multitude of benefits,...

Preparing Expatriates for Successful Assignments

Preparing Expatriates for Successful Assignments

In today's globalized business landscape, global mobility projects have become increasingly common for companies looking to expand their operations and seize global opportunities. Assigning employees to foreign locations can be a powerful strategy, but it comes with...

Enhancing Employee Satisfaction in Global Mobility

Enhancing Employee Satisfaction in Global Mobility

Dealing with dissatisfied employees is no longer an option but a necessity in the dynamic world of global mobility. Unhappy employees can cost between $450 and $500 per year, significantly impacting the bottom line. Therefore,...

Talent acquisition and retention strategies in a time of recession

Talent acquisition and retention strategies in a time of recession

This article is based on the Linkedin Live session from the xpathNexus series of live talks on global mobility topics. You can wat the entire series here. The session “Talent acquisition and retention strategies in a time of recession” focused on several changes in...

Exploring the link between global mobility and retaining top talent

Exploring the link between global mobility and retaining top talent

Within the competitive market today, retaining top talent is paramount. Global mobility opportunities provide organizations with a great way to attract and retain top talent, enabling them to stand out amongst the competition. International postings create an...

How to choose the right Global Mobility technology for your business

How to choose the right Global Mobility technology for your business

Whether you manage hundreds of international relocations or just a few, you know having the right technology in place is crucial. Even though you don't currently have expat employees, hiring foreign workers might be something that you would consider for the future,...

Global mobility: containing costs and adding value

Global mobility: containing costs and adding value

This article is based on the Linkedin Live session from the xpath.global series of live talks on global mobility topics. You can watch the entire series here. The session “Global mobility – containing costs while adding value” focused on one pervasive and burning...

Digital Nomads – five reasons to consider hiring them

Digital Nomads – five reasons to consider hiring them

Digital nomads can be your new employees of the future. As the labour market continues to evolve, so do the types of employees that companies are looking for. In recent years, there has been a growing trend of digital nomads. Those working professionals who work...

5 reasons for hiring foreign workers

5 reasons for hiring foreign workers

Many businesses are having a difficult time filling available positions nowadays. In an employee-centric market, top candidates can pick and choose among various offers. The easiest and fastest explanation that comes to mind is that there are no relevant talents on...