31% of employees want a more flexible approach to work

Just under one-third (31%) of employees would like to have a more flexible working environment, according to research by Investors In People (IIP).

Its Exodus Survey 2018, which surveyed 1,000 UK employees, found that respondents considered it more important to have flexibility in their employment, such as working remotely, than having a 3% pay rise.

The survey found that almost half (47%) of employees were intending to find a new job in 2018, a lower figure than last year which saw 59% of respondents actively seeking new employment.

The research also found that:

  • 34% of respondents cite enjoying their job and 33% cite working within a good team, as reasons to stay with an organisation.
  • 44% of employees would be happy with a small pay rise, and a further 27% of respondents believe a good pay package is the best way to attract and retain employees.
  • 48% feel they can get more job satisfaction with another organisation, and 57% cite competitive pay as a reason to find a new job, 28% for good benefits and 22% for job security.

Paul Devoy, CEO, IIP, (pictured) said: “In a year where unemployment has reached its lowest level since 1975, but wages have stagnated, the improvements to the labour market have failed to translate to the pockets of UK workers. With research suggesting that employee disengagement costs the UK economy £340 billion annually, bad leadership is eroding UK productivity.

“With 49% of workers citing poor management as the main reason they’re considering looking for a new job next year, management strategies must evolve to meet the demands of employees if organisations are to retain staff.”