Talent Trends 2024 webinar: Tackling workplace flexibility

Tackling workplace flexibility

The way we work is changing rapidly, and flexibility is no longer a perk but a priority for many employees. In our Talent Trends 2024 webinar, ‘From perk to priority: The evolution of workplace flexibility’, hosted by Michael Page and featuring industry experts, we explored the growing importance of workplace flexibility and the challenges employers face in meeting these evolving needs.

If you missed the live event, register to catch up on-demand, and hear from:

Doug Rode, Managing Director - UK&I, Michael Page
Kate Shoesmith, Deputy CEO, Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC)
Cathy Sinclair & Carol Castle, Co-Directors of Student Recruitment and Admissions, Sheffield Hallam University
Jo Walmsley, Chief People Officer, Sanderson Design Group plc
Joanna McCrae, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Client Solutions Director, PageGroup

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Headline takeaways:

Salary remains important, but work-life balance is now the top priority for job satisfaction. While competitive salaries are still essential for attracting talent, employees increasingly value a healthy work-life balance. Interestingly, despite this desire, many find themselves working in the office more due to company policy changes.
The expectation gap is widening. Employee expectations around flexibility often clash with employer requirements, creating a significant challenge. Many employees who currently enjoy flexible work arrangements are hesitant to move to a new role if it means sacrificing their flexibility work-life balance they’ve become accustomed to.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) is a growing concern. Only a fraction of respondents believe their workplaces are truly inclusive, and many report experiencing age-based discrimination. Employers need to take concrete steps to address these issues and create a more welcoming environment for all.
There's no one-size-fits-all solution. Flexibility means different things to different people. Some may prioritise compressed hours, while others value the freedom to choose office days. Employers need to be clear and upfront about the types of flexibility they offer to attract and retain top talent.
Managers are key. Successful implementation of flexible work arrangements hinges on effective management. Line managers need to be equipped to have open conversations with their teams, measure performance based on results, and support career development in a hybrid environment.

Job sharing as a solution

The webinar explored job sharing as a potential solution to the flexibility challenge, offering benefits such as:

Double the brains, half the time: Job sharing brings fresh ideas and fosters innovation.
Work-life win-win: Employees enjoy flexibility while employers hire and retain top talent.
Knowledge transfer built-in: Ensures continuity and smooth coverage for internal and external stakeholders.

While some organisations haven't had requests for job sharing or may not actively promote it, others struggle with associated costs, role design, and lack of structure to support it. With careful planning and clear communication, these challenges can be addressed.

Remember: Job sharing doesn't have to be a one-size-fits-all solution. You could pilot a programme in a specific department or role to assess its effectiveness within your organisation.

Read our latest guide to learn more about how to unlock the potential of a flexible workforce with job sharing.

Looking ahead

The panellists emphasised the need for a mindset shift from both employers and employees. Employers need to move beyond traditional presenteeism and embrace outcome-based performance measures. Employees, meanwhile, need to be open to new ways of working and collaborating in a hybrid environment.

Download the full report and watch the recording!

To learn more about the data behind the story presented in this webinar, download the Talent Trends 2024 report and watch the full recording available on Michael Page's website.