Workplace Flexibility: Employers and Employees Disagree What It Means
In the bustling city-state of Singapore, there's a rising disparity regarding workplace flexibility. According to a recent report titled "Beyond 9 to 5: The Future of Flexibility in Work" by global hiring platform Indeed, while many employers believe they’re championing flexibility, their employees may beg to differ.
The report, presented exclusively at Indeed FutureWorks Singapore, underscores the gap: 83% of employers feel they support flexible work arrangements. In comparison, 61% of employees share that sentiment. Interestingly, a significant 85% of Singapore's workforce values flexibility, notably higher than the global average of 66%.
The retail sector stood out as the industry with the most pronounced divergence in perceptions. Here, a staggering 80% of employers believe they offer flexibility, yet only 42% of their employees concur. This mismatch isn't restricted to retail alone. Industries, from construction and hospitality to professional services and technology, also manifest a similar trend.
In the realm of preferred work styles, the hybrid model—a blend of office and remote work—reigns supreme among employees. Nearly half of the employers surveyed offer hybrid options, with flexible hours and complete remote work trailing behind.
Certainly, the move to flexible work has its merits and challenges. Employers find value in employee retention, appeal to potential talent, and boost productivity. Conversely, employees cherish the work-life balance that such arrangements afford. However, the hurdles are also evident, with remote communication issues and potential cultural disconnects topping the list.
Navigating these waters requires a nuanced approach. The report underscores the criticality of understanding and addressing employee needs to cultivate a truly inclusive work environment. Aligning employer and employee views on flexibility is a promising avenue to mutual benefits.
“Flexible work arrangements can be beneficial for both employers and employees, but it's important to get alignment on what works best for each party. Employees should be able to take advantage of flexible work without being penalized, and employers should prioritize flexibility to attract and retain talent. Ultimately, the right flexible work arrangement is one that meets the needs of both the employee and the employer,” remarked Karthik Sudhakar, strategy and operations lead at Indeed Singapore.
As the dynamics of workplaces continue to shift, the call is clear: embrace genuine flexibility to empower talent and reap business benefits.
Image credit: iStockphoto/SIphotography
