Flexibilty In Work Schedule Remains A Priority For Job Seekers
Nearly 40 per cent global candidates rate flexibility in schedule as one of the top three factors in making career decisions, according to a research by ManpowerGroup Solutions. Nearly two-thirds of candidates believe that they do not need to be sitting at the desk to get their work done.
Flexible arrival and departure times and full-time work from home or location independence are generally the most sought-after attributes of flexible workplace policies, as per the survey conducted on 14,000 individuals across 19 countries.
Talking about what matters to them in job search, 26 per cent candidates said flexible arrival and departure times are most important, while 22 per cent said they prefer the ability to work from home or any other place they choose. The report finds out that a contented workforce has much to do with the flexibility of a workplace.
The rise in importance of schedule flexibility is driven by a wide range of local factors like presence of multinational companies or unions at a given location, the influence of technology firms in the marketplace, workforce composition such as proportion of millennial and public transportation that can impact commuting times.
Workplace flexibility does not just mean working remotely. It includes all types of working arrangements, from when to take breaks to working from home or care giving leaves.
Kate Donovan, Senior Vice-President of ManpowerGroup Solutions and Global RPO President said, "While no employer can accommodate every option, they can still provide a range that appeals to a variety of candidates. It is time for employers who meet candidate expectations around schedule flexibility have the advantage in recruiting and retaining the best talent."
Donovan further added organisations need to be ready to drop old work models that emphasise presenteeism over performance.
The survey noted that the employers need small steps to align themselves as a flexible workplace. They should normalise existing flexible policies and align incentives with outcome.
