More than three quarters of young people say that it is
important for potential employers to offer flexible working
options, according to recent research by BT
Business.
In the survey conducted by YouGov among UK workers and employers,
59% of directors at small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) believe
they are as able as large organisations to embrace flexible working
could reap their rewards, by attracting more candidates of a better
calibre.
The research indicates that flexible working policies are a valued
employee benefit across the age spectrum, but with above average
results from the younger age bracket. Almost two thirds of 18 to 29
year-olds surveyed say a better work/life balance is the main
benefit of flexible working, followed by less stress and fewer
travel problems.
The survey also found that 43% of 18 to 29 year-olds are willing
to consider lower pay to work at home, compared to 31% of the
over-50s.
Beatriz Butsana-Sita, of BT Business, comments: “The workforce of
the future has been brought up with technology as part of their
daily lives. Flexible working allowing a better work/life balance
is prized over straight economic affluence.
“It’s something all SMB employers should think about. Flexible
working can work for businesses of all sizes; the adoption of
converged networks has seen a surge in flexible working practices
and aspirations among smaller businesses.”