Flexibility in the workplace: Are you embracing the new norm?

It’s not easy to recruit great talent. In an ever-changing job market, attracting and retaining the best people demands innovation and adaptability. To distinguish themselves from the competition, organisations are turning to flexible working models to adopt innovative and forward-thinking strategies.

Read on for insights on how to best navigate these challenges in the evolving world of talent acquisition through the adoption of a more flexible workforce...

The trend of flexible working has gained great traction in the recent years, with more than one-third of UK workers now working from home part of the week and over three-quarters saying it improves their work-life balance. This trend is likely to continue.  

In fact, 77% of workers identify flexibility as a top priority when job hunting and as such, in today’s post-pandemic world, offering flexibility can be a differentiator in attracting your next employee.  

So... why is it so popular and how are more and more companies benefiting from a more hybrid workforce? 

This model not only eliminates the stress associated with commuting but also grants employees the autonomy to choose when and where they work. The result is a more adaptable and personalised approach to balancing professional commitments with personal priorities, leading to increased job satisfaction and overall life contentment.

Tapping into the wider talent pool

Adopting flexible working is more than just adapting to changes in work; it's a strategic move that opens doors to a wider range of talented people.

Recent data shows that companies with flexible work options attract and retain top talent 30% more than those who don’t offer flexibility. The reason is simple: flexibility erases geographical barriers, allowing organisations to tap into a global talent reservoir, regardless of location.

When businesses expand and move away from traditional offices, they can access more talent. This also helps create an inclusive work culture that encourages creativity and innovation.

By including everyone and their different perspectives, ideas, and experiences—organisations can create an exciting and diverse workplace that encourages innovation.

In navigating the shift towards flexible working, leveraging technology and GenAI becomes essential. To successfully implement a flexible working policy, organisations must invest in communication tools and cloud-based platforms, such as Workday, that enable real-time access to information.

Hiring managers equipped with the right tech solutions can efficiently roll out flexible working initiatives. More than just a trend, over 70% of HR leaders recognise the pressure to adopt flexible work models, and embracing new technologies becomes a strategic move to stand out in a competitive landscape.

Embracing the power of artificial intelligence allows HR managers to focus on strategic planning by automating manual tasks. As we witness the rapid evolution of the work landscape, the question emerges: should flexible working be the norm? In a world where technology enables work from anywhere and at any time, the answer lies in acknowledging the diverse needs of the modern workforce.

At Kainos, we've had to pivot quickly to adopt a hybrid working model, and in doing so, we needed the best technology available to help us with our goals.  As we progress in 2024, flexible working is deeply ingrained in our culture, and we've meticulously tracked its impact on our organisation's success.

Listen to our Chief People Officer, Colette Kidd, as she discusses the importance of flexibility and agility, and how the Kainos leadership team moved quickly to support employees.