Nearly half of IT workers in the UK have quit a job due to a lack of workplace flexibility, according to new research.
Analysis from Randstad shows 40% of UK-based IT pros have quit over a lack of flexible work options, while 31% of workers globally have done the same.
The study noted that IT workers typically value flexible working practices more highly than other sectors, with 80% of surveyed professionals stating that they consider flexibility “essential”.
This was also 13% higher than their counterparts in other industries globally, according to Randstad.
Notably, Randstad said flexibility is no longer regarded “solely as a benefit” at their workplace, and is now a deal breaker which shapes their career choices and has an influence on who they want to work with.
More than half (56%), for example, said they would quit their job if requests for additional flexible working options weren’t taken into account.
Randstad digital chief executive Graig Paglieri said the study highlights the changing nature of worker demands and urged employers to accommodate for this trend.
“Personalized work benefits and flexible options are essential not only for attracting top talent but also for retaining them in competitive markets,” he said.
“Policies should align with organizational, team and individual needs, ensuring a flexible and tailored approach.”
Flexible work options build trust
Nearly three-quarters (71%) of IT workers told Randstad that remote and flexible working options would “strengthen their sense of community” with colleagues, despite the distributed nature of the workforce.
Similarly, 68% said they would trust their employer more if they offered personalized work benefits. This not only included flexible work options, but flexible hours, intensity of work, and locations, the study noted.
Flexible working has grown in popularity since the onset of Covid in 2020. While at first workers across a raft of industries shifted to remote work options as a pandemic-induced necessity, they continued to demand a degree of flexibility in their roles as lockdown restrictions were lifted.
The issue has prompted a recurring back and forth between workers and employers in recent years, especially amidst the rise of return to office (RTO) mandates.
Several companies have faced backlash by cutting flexible and remote working options, including Dell Technologies and Amazon.
Randstad noted that employers must adapt to accommodate for flexible working options, or else lose out on vital talent. Nearly one-third (31%) of employers told the firm they now offer flexible work arrangements specifically for the purpose of attracting talent.
This, the study found, marked a 9% increase compared to the year prior.
Similarly, 34% revealed they have introduced flexible policies to improve staff retention and prevent valued employees from seeking roles elsewhere.
Leadership views on flexible work is also improving, according to Randstad. The study noted that 81% of leaders believe these practices can help create equity at work and have a beneficial effect on workforce morale.
MORE FROM ITPRO
- Considering an RTO policy? Think again. Firms with remote working options record better financial performance
- Remote working is proving troublesome for extroverts
- Not everyone working from home is procrastinating – but I miss doing it in the office
-
HSBC says get back to the office or risk bonuses – and history shows it’s a tactic that might backfireNews HSBC is the latest in a string of financial services firms hoping to tempt workers back to the office.
-
‘Employees aren’t having it’: European workers are pushing back on the US-style ‘always on’ work culture – many are worried about the rise of ‘hustle culture’ and a third would quit if forced back to the officeNews New research shows European workers are pushing back on the 'always on' culture and fear US-style corporate policies creeping into workplaces.
-
‘There is no law of computer science that says that AI must remain expensive and must remain large’: IBM CEO Arvind Krishna bangs the drum for smaller AI modelsNews IBM CEO Arvind Krishna says smaller, more domain-specific AI models have become the most efficient and cost-effective options for enterprises.
-
Google tells some remote workers to return to the office or risk losing jobsNews Google has warned remote workers will need to return to the office or else lose their jobs, according to reports.
-
Young tech professionals are shunning a full-time return to the office – unless it pays moreNews Young tech professionals who entered the workforce post-pandemic expect on-site work to be paid more than remote options.
-
‘Employers must look at the bigger picture’: Brits aren’t keen on going back to the office, and enterprises pushing for it risk a talent exodus – 48% of UK professionals would quit if faced with a full RTO mandate as hybrid work remains popularNews Nearly half of professionals would consider quitting rather than returning to the office full time
-
The creator effect: Shaping the future of travelWhitepaper The way forward for the travel sector
-
Westcon-Comstor promotes Rene Klein to lead unified European businessNews Westcon-Comstor has announced the appointment of Rene Klein as executive vice president for EMEA.
