Generational Divide on Flexible Working


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Workers over 55 are the most likely to have reservations about flexible working. 

Meanwhile, the 18 to 24-year-old and 25-34 age groups were among the biggest supporters of remote working provisions, highlighting a generational divide.

The survey, commissioned by Direct 365, found 31% of British workers are concerned about the future of office culture because many of their colleagues are able to work remotely.

In June 2014, all UK employees were given the legal right to request flexible working arrangements after 26 weeks of employment. It was hoped that the introduction of such regulations would help to improve the nation’s work-life balance.

However, there are arguments to suggest that we are seeing the opposite effect, as professionals are finding it difficult to switch off and relax. Speaking to The Guardian in January 2016, occupational health psychologist Prof Gail Kinman suggested that more people are checking emails and taking calls outside of office hours, and as such are struggling to get enough quality sleep.

“Although companies are legally obliged to consider flexible working requests from staff, they shouldn’t lose sight of how these arrangements will impact the wider team. It’s arguably far harder to build a bond and strong team ethos if everybody is working in different locations. We’re in danger of losing good old-fashioned ‘watercooler talk’!” said Emma Gilroy, Brand Development Manager at Direct365.

Author: Megan Jones

Published On: 10th Feb 2016 - Last modified: 22nd Mar 2017
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