Flexible working is being made more accessible through the development of technology. As smartphones, Wi-Fi, tablets and high-speed broadband become more commonplace, more workers are beginning to see the benefits and make use of flexible working conditions. In fact, working from home is estimated to be more common place by the year 2030, according to a new report.
The UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) revealed in a recent report that the use of different types of mobile technology means that workers no longer need to stay in the office continuously. The report also predicted that flexible working will become more commonplace within the next few years, as a higher rate of workers see the benefits to creating a better work-life balance.
According to the study, around 57 per cent of workers felt that flexible working is important to them. Many employees are seeing the benefits that flexible working brings, especially those that are parents or carers.
Flexible working is also considered by many to be an important factor when they are considering a new place of work, with 92 per cent of those born between 1980 and 2000 stating that flexibility is an important factor when it comes to looking at jobs.
However, flexible working brings with it a number of challenges, especially for employers who need to implement new time and attendance systems to account for those that are not working in the office. New systems need to be put in place to allow for performance levels to be maintained among homeworkers and to promote trust among employees and managers.
Ben Willmott, head of public policy at the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, said: "Younger people will likely demand a greater work-life balance, and greater flexibility will be expected by both mums and dads and as well as the growing number of workers who will also be looking after ageing parents or relatives. At the same time, older workers will need and demand more flexible routes into retirement, looking to downshift and work fewer hours rather than simply seeing retirement as a full stop to their working lives."
