According to a new Remote report, nearly three-quarters (72%) of hiring leaders in the UK have lost employees to companies that provide them with more flexible working conditions in the past six months. The survey also found that 84% of UK hiring leaders have noticed a growing demand for flexible work arrangements from employees.
The report aims to emphasise a broader trend in global hiring practices. Over the past year, 73% of companies reported workforce growth, not only through permanent positions but also with more flexible roles. In fact, 34% of businesses have increased their reliance on contractors and freelancers. Moreover, 70% of companies, especially those in the US and France, have adopted remote work policies to attract and retain top talent.
Flexibility in the workplace has now become a crucial factor in job decisions. With 43% of office-based UK businesses struggling to find candidates, compared to just 33% of remote workplaces, the importance of providing flexible work arrangements is clear. As more companies embrace remote work and flexible schedules, those without adapt risk losing their employees to competitors who provide these options.
In addition, the report has highlighted that increased flexibility has been linked to improved productivity and business performance, with 38% of companies seeing higher productivity and 32% reporting better overall results. As many as 40% of employers said that remote work significantly improves employee satisfaction and work-life balance.
With growing challenges in talent retention, flexibility is becoming essential in business recruitment strategies. The shift away from traditional office-based roles is not only about where people work but also about when they work. Enabling employees to adjust their schedules for personal needs, such as school runs or avoiding rush-hour traffic, can be a major draw in today’s competitive labour market.
With flexible working on the rise and companies seeing tangible benefits, organisations that fail to adapt may find themselves at a disadvantage, both in retaining current staff and attracting new talent.