Flexa, the platform where flexible companies get discovered, has released its Flexible Working Index, shedding light on the major work trends of 2023 and predicting the trajectory for 2024.
2023 witnessed a significant shift in work preferences, with employees increasingly favouring shorter work weeks. Half of workers expressed a preference for part-time work in January, and although the numbers declined, 37 percent still opted for part-time schedules by November.
Notably, the demand for 4-day work weeks remained high, with 48 percent of job seekers expressing a preference throughout the year.
Companies like Mars, CoppaFeel, and Huel have embraced this trend, with the UK’s official 4-day week trial yielding a 92 percent adoption rate among participating companies.
Mental Health Support a Top Priority
Record sickness rates in 2023 prompted a surge in demand for mental health support. A substantial 31 percent of workers expressed a preference for jobs offering mental health support between January and November. This marks a 16 percent increase from the previous year, emphasising the growing importance of mental well-being in the workplace. Employers like TUI Group, WeTransfer, and Wild are at the forefront, providing support through initiatives such as mental health days and wellbeing allowances.
Shift in Remote Work Preferences
While fully remote work experienced a surge in popularity, the data shows a decline in its appeal among job seekers. Searches for fully remote roles fell by 28 percent, from 61 percent in January to 44 percent in November. On the other hand, the concept of “work from anywhere” (WFA) schemes gained momentum, with a 583 percent increase in demand over the year.
This shift in preferences indicates that workers value flexibility in location more than rigid working hours.
Hybrid Work Emerges as a Compromise
Employers are adapting to the evolving landscape, with hybrid work emerging as a compromise between fully remote and in-office models. Job posts advertising 3-4 work-from-home (WFH) days per week were consistently the most common, providing a middle ground that satisfies both employer and employee preferences. Companies such as Virgin Media O2, Not On The High Street, and Moneysupermarket Group are leading the way in embracing hybrid work.
Molly Johnson-Jones, CEO and Co-founder of Flexa, Comments
Molly Johnson-Jones, CEO and Co-founder of Flexa, emphasised the concept of “umbrella flexibility,” suggesting that companies should focus on overarching forms of flexibility that address various needs simultaneously. Johnson-Jones encourages employers to consider hybrid work arrangements and 4-day weeks, addressing health conditions, parenting responsibilities, and overall well-being. The key takeaway for employers is to focus on comprehensive flexibility solutions that meet the diverse needs of their teams.
In summary, the Flexible Working Index reveals that 2024 could be the year when workplaces unite through innovative approaches to work, creating a balance that prioritises both employee satisfaction and organisational efficiency.
Amelia Brand is the Editor for HRreview, and host of the HR in Review podcast series. With a Master’s degree in Legal and Political Theory, her particular interests within HR include employment law, DE&I, and wellbeing within the workplace. Prior to working with HRreview, Amelia was Sub-Editor of a magazine, and Editor of the Environmental Justice Project at University College London, writing and overseeing articles into UCL’s weekly newsletter. Her previous academic work has focused on philosophy, politics and law, with a special focus on how artificial intelligence will feature in the future.
