The overwhelming majority of UK employees now say flexibility over their hours is a must-have, with new research showing 86 percent demand the ability to fit work around their lives – and growing numbers are pushing back on traditional routines in favour of autonomy, technology and new ways of working.
The findings, from a State of Hybrid Work report by meeting technology firm Owl Labs released on Wednesday, reflect a dramatic cultural shift as hybrid and remote models become the norm. More than four in five workers say they would take action – including quitting – if they lost the ability to work flexibly.
The pursuit of better work-life balance has become the top reason for changing jobs, with 50 percent citing it as their main motivator.
The new face of flexible working
The traditional 9-to-5 is falling out of favour, with almost half of workers (44 percent) saying they would reject any job that doesn’t offer flexible hours. The report, based on a survey of 2,000 full-time UK employees, found this figure has risen from 39 percent last year.
A growing trend, known as “microshifting”, sees nearly seven in 10 (67 percent) interested in working “non-linear hours”, splitting the day into short bursts that fit around other commitments. Appetite is highest among Gen Z and Millennials, but even older generations are seeking more control over their schedules.
The four-day week has gained major traction, with almost three quarters (73 percent) viewing it as an important benefit and many willing to give up a portion of their salary for an extra day off. Demand is especially strong among younger staff, with 77 percent of Millennials and 72 percent of Gen Z in favour.
Protecting time: new workplace tactics emerge
Faced with ongoing return-to-office mandates, workers are increasingly adopting strategies to protect their time and limit unnecessary tasks. Almost half (44 percent) say they have participated in “work-to-rule”, sticking strictly to contracted hours and duties.
More than a third (35 percent) have used “clock-blocking” to keep meeting-free time in their calendars, while “coffee badging” – showing up briefly at the office to maintain visibility before heading home – is practised by 44 percent, up from just 23 percent in 2023.
Scheduling personal appointments during working hours is also commonplace, with 51 percent of employees reporting they do so regularly, particularly those with caring responsibilities.
The drive for flexibility is strongest among hybrid workers, most of whom now spend three (41 percent) or four (27 percent) days in the office, while just 15 percent prefer to be in the office full-time.
Technology and AI enable new ways of working
Access to reliable technology is now seen as critical, with 89 percent of employees rating it as important for their job satisfaction. Businesses are responding by investing in artificial intelligence tools, better IT support and upgraded meeting room equipment. Three quarters of employers are actively encouraging AI adoption, and the majority of employees now use AI at work, up sharply from last year.
Commenting on the findings, Frank Weishaupt, chief executive of Owl Labs, said employers were under pressure to provide genuine flexibility.
“Our data demonstrates that hybrid working is no longer just about when and where we work. The rise in trends like coffee badging and work-to-rule demonstrates that UK employees are also looking for true fluidity in how they work,” he said.
“The expectation isn’t that everyone should access the same level of flexibility either. Over two-thirds believe that employers should provide more flexibility for those that need it most, like working parents. When employers champion this approach, they often see a productivity boost as employees feel more engaged with their work, invested in the company’s success and are therefore motivated to deliver better results.”
Return-to-office mandates meet resistance
Despite concerns about being required to work from the office full-time, the majority of organisations have not changed their policies in the past year. Nearly half (45 percent) of workers remain worried about losing remote or hybrid options, and nearly four in ten say they would not join a company that restricts their choice of workplace location.
Most employees value in-person connection for meaningful reasons, not simply presence. The main motivations behind company return-to-office policies are seen as reinforcing culture and cohesion (79 percent), increasing leadership visibility (78 percent) and boosting collaboration (77 percent).
But the trend among workers is clear: 84 percent say the ability to work from a range of locations is a key factor in job satisfaction, rising to 88 percent in larger organisations.
Practical steps for employers
Experts recommend several actions for employers seeking to retain talent and maintain productivity:
- Review and enhance flexible work policies, including options for hybrid, remote and non-linear scheduling.
- Engage staff in regular conversations about their needs and preferences for work-life balance.
- Invest in user-friendly technology and provide training to ensure staff can work efficiently from any location.
- Consider piloting or adopting four-day work weeks or microshifting arrangements.
- Tailor flexibility for employees with caring responsibilities or other needs, ensuring equity across the workforce.
- Encourage a results-focused culture that measures output rather than hours spent at a desk.
