13 Million Brits To Request Permanent Flexible Working Once Lockdown Is Lifted
11-Aug-20
13 Million Brits To Request Permanent Flexible Working Once Lockdown Is Lifted
· 44 per cent of workers plan to ask for permanent flexible working
arrangements after coronavirus restrictions are fully lifted – more than 13 million
people
· Saving time and money, along with prioritising family and health are key
drivers behind the desired move to long term flexible working arrangements
· HR directors expect 70 per cent of the workforce will have some form of
flexible arrangement after coronavirus restrictions are fully lifted – a 45 per cent
increase on current levels
More than 13 million people across the UK plan to ask their employer for changes to
their long-term working pattern once the current coronavirus pandemic has
subsided, reveals new research from Direct Line Life (1) . Over two fifths (44 per cent) of
workers are set to request their employer provides permanent flexible working
arrangements after coronavirus restrictions are fully lifted.
With half (49 per cent) of the workforce across the country now working from home
full time, according to the latest official figures (2) , new research shows millions hope to
continue this trend post-lockdown. Working from home two days a week is the most
popular option for those wishing to maintain long-term flexible arrangements once
it becomes safe to return to their workplace, with one in eight (12 per cent) hoping to
do so. Other popular options are working from home one day (10 per cent) or three
days a week (10 per cent). With lockdown proving full time remote working is now
extremely feasible, one in 12 people (eight per cent) are planning to ask their
employer to work from home permanently.
Additional research among HR directors 3 by the insurer found that companies are
already preparing to receive significant volumes of flexible working requests once
the pandemic has eased. HR directors predict there will be a 45 per cent increase in
the number of their employees requesting some form of flexible working compared
to before the pandemic. If their prediction is correct, this could mean 70 per cent of
the workforce that are able to will work flexibly long-term after coronavirus
restrictions are lifted.
In good news for employees, the coronavirus pandemic is making employers think
differently about their response to flexible working requests and their office space
needs. Over two fifths (43 per cent) of HR directors say they will offer some
employees the option to work from home five days a week, while one in five (20 per
cent) will offer employees the chance to work from home three or four days a week.
With office space being a significant cost base for most businesses, it is
understandable that many may now be thinking differently about managing their
costs once the pandemic is over.
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