The number of men working part-time at one of the UK’s largest insurers has grown significantly over the past six years, as flexible roles become more widely adopted across its workforce.
Men now make up one in 10 part-time employees at Zurich UK, with staff using non-working days for childcare, eldercare, exercise, side businesses and study, the company said.
Zurich, which began advertising all vacancies as part-time, job share or flexible in 2019, reported a 48 percent increase in the number of male part-time workers since the policy was introduced. The company said part-time employees now represent more than one in seven of its total UK workforce, with male hires accounting for one in eight of all part-time starters in 2024.
The figures were released to mark International Men’s Day last Wednesday and coincide with a broader policy focus on flexibility and care. The forthcoming Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Bill, part of the UK government’s Plan to Make Work Pay, aims to strengthen the right to request flexible working from day one.
Balancing care, careers and wellbeing
While women still make up the majority of the UK’s part-time workforce, Zurich’s data suggests more men are opting for reduced hours to help balance life outside work. Case studies released alongside the figures include employees who have used part-time schedules to care for children, support ageing parents, pursue advanced degrees or launch side businesses.
Steve Collinson, chief HR officer at Zurich UK, said flexible working was helping employees achieve more sustainable work-life balance. He said the company’s part-time initiative had widened the talent pool and allowed colleagues to find working patterns that benefit both their personal lives and the business.
“It’s great to see so many of our employees embracing our part-time working policies, and for such a variety of reasons. Achieving a great work life blend is something that everyone should aspire to, no matter your gender or where you’re at in your career.”
He added that the culture shift had helped to normalise part-time roles for all genders and stages of life. “Seeking flexibility and nurturing your passions outside of the office shouldn’t mean that your career has to take a back seat.”
Men share benefits of working part-time
Among staff working part-time is Craig Glover, a senior underwriter who has worked four days a week for the past 12 years to support his family and complement his wife’s work as a doctor. He said the arrangement had allowed them to spend more time with their children and build a more equal partnership at home.
Simon Thompson, a customer experience manager with 25 years at the company, described how he now uses his non-working day for open-water swimming, cycling and visiting his mother, who lives alone. He said the arrangement supports both his physical and mental health, as well as his caring responsibilities.
Markus Griggs, a commercial insurance specialist, has used a three-day week to launch a CrossFit gym. He said the contrasting roles help him stay energised and productive. “Working part-time is mutually beneficial to both me and Zurich. When I’m working in my role for those three days, I get my head down and give it 100%.”
He said the flexibility had improved his stress levels and given him a greater sense of purpose. “I’m more relaxed and happier than I’ve been in any other sort of working situation.”
Dave R, a motor claims specialist, uses his part-time schedule to share childcare responsibilities for his two young children. He said the role has given him valuable time with both his son and newborn daughter, without feeling held back professionally. “Working part-time is a great way to be present for your family.”
Ben Clark, a risk engineer, is working two days a week while completing a master’s degree in climate change. He said his manager was supportive from the outset, and that the flexibility had enabled him to build a new career direction while remaining connected to his team. “If anything, my career is just getting started.”
Wider policy implications
The move towards greater flexibility for men mirrors broader calls for a more gender-equal approach to caregiving and career progression. A recent parliamentary report into women and the UK economy found that over a third of working women were employed part time, compared with just 14 percent of men.
Baroness Joanna Penn, co-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Flexible and Family-Friendly Working, said Zurich’s approach demonstrated how flexible roles can support both inclusion and productivity. She said the company was “amongst those leading the way – not just by having good policies in place but investing in the culture shift needed to give people the confidence to take them up”.
She added that flexible working and balancing work and care was not just a women’s issue, but central to attracting and retaining a wide pool of talent. “The take up of part time working amongst men at the company shows that flexible working and balancing work and care is important to everyone.”
As the Employment Relations Bill progresses, and employers consider how to support a wider range of working patterns, Zurich’s figures suggest that cultural changes may be just as important as legislative change in opening up part-time roles to all.
