New survey findings have revealed that 64% of UK workers prioritised the need for hybrid working guidelines when considering a new job, with clear rules on when they would be expected to be available.
Global employee recognition and workplace culture organisation OC Tanner’s 2022 Global culture report analysed the perspectives of more than 38,000 employees, leaders, HR practitioners and executives from 21 countries around the world, including 2,500 from the UK.
The report highlighted that clear hybrid working expectations benefit both the employer and members of staff, with 11% greater employee burnout and a 12% higher probability of workers taking more time off when they struggle to separate their work and home life.
Employers that are able to prioritise career development for hybrid workers and reimagine how to best deliver it will see increased likelihood of employee engagement (+115%).
In addition, 59% consider the need for flexibility around number of days working from home to be important when looking for a new job and 58% cited the provision of mental health services as key. Meanwhile, childcare benefits were only mentioned by 42% as being a critical factor.
Robert Ordever, managing director of OC Tanner Europe, commented that with a record number of workers leaving their jobs for new opportunities, job seekers are eager to find roles that support hybrid working.
He explained that the majority of staff are not prepared to take a hybrid working role without clarity around their availability when remote working, as they want to set ground rules to prevent the blurring of lines between work life and home life.
“Office-based job seekers are now expecting hybrid working to be the norm. This means that home working rules and logistics together with how they can further their careers at a distance, are front of mind considerations when looking for a new job. Traditional considerations such as childcare benefits have simply dropped down the priority list,” Ordever said.