Flexibility takes centre stage in the new world of work

The pandemic has changed the way people work, leading to a greater emphasis on workplace flexibility.

Almost half of employees surveyed as part of a new study say that they are satisfied with the increased flexibility at work, while over half (52%) see flexible working hours or locations as essential requirements. Additionally, one in four respondents even consider flexibility the most important factor when looking for a new job.

Digital technologies will also play a key role in enabling the shift to hybrid work, according to the Future of Work Life study by Ericsson Consumer and IndustryLab. However, there is a gap between the technology available in the workplace and the needs of employees for flexible working. Only 33% of employers consider employee preferences when investing in new technology, and four out of 10 employees struggle with non-relevant tools for their tasks.

READ: Improving employee health and wellbeing through hybrid work

Jasmeet Singh Sethi, Head of Ericsson ConsumerLab, said, “With six in 10 organisations lacking relevant technology for their staff, and just two in 10 employees feeling they have relevant tools at workplace, there is a pressing need for organisations to invest in digital tools and robust connectivity that enable remote collaboration and flexibility, not only to attract and retain top talent, but also to stay competitive in the post-pandemic world.”

The study also highlighted the challenges of balancing visibility and privacy in a hybrid work environment. In fact, 65% of employees who are optimistic about technologically-enabled flexibility also believe it will be tied to an increase in monitoring.