It might be a byword for routine, everyday work, but is ‘9 to 5’ about to become a thing of the past? According to research by polling agency YouGov, just 6% of the 4,000 UK adults it surveyed now work those hours.
Among full-time workers, 37% said that they prefer to work 8 to 4pm, and 21% said they favoured 7am to 3pm. More than four in ten respondents (42%) said that they worked flexibly in some way, such as job sharing or compressed hours.
YouGov also asked participants what makes a ‘good job’. High pay (63%) came top, along with a sociable and friendly working environment (also 63%). Flexible working patterns (61%) and convenient location (60%) were next on the list.
What does it mean for business?
All employees with more than 26 weeks’ service have had the right to request flexible working since 2014. Business leaders don’t have to accept the request, but if they turn it down, it must be for sound reasons and carefully documented.
According to XpertHR, 56% of employers have seen an increase in requests for flexible working in the last two years, showing that the message is starting to filter through to businesses and employees alike.
Source:
https://yougov.co.uk/news/2018/08/24/over-nine-ten-not-working-usual-9-5-week/
https://www.xperthr.co.uk/survey-analysis/flexible-working-policies-and-practice-survey-2018/163435/
Please note that this article does not constitute specific advice. Brunsdon is not responsible for the content of third party web sites.
