Workers still worried flex working will impact career progression

Although the vast majority of workers say they would benefit from work flexibility, many are still worried that it will affect their career progression, according to a US survey by Deloitte.

The findings of Deloitte’s workplace flexibility survey indicate that 94 percent of 1,000 US professionals questioned say they would benefit from work flexibility, with the top gains being less stress/improved mental health, and better integration of work and personal life.

However, nearly 30 percent say potential consequences to their professional growth and lack of trust from leadership would prevent them from using flexible work options offered. Moreover, 80 percent of professionals agree that a traditional work setting—defined as regular attendance at an office or working normal business hours—is important for advancing their career.

The survey also found that, among the professionals whose companies offer flexible work options, 82 percent say they have used them. The options valued the most were flexible work hours and remote work, including work from home. A compressed working week came in a distant third.

Forty-three percent of professionals cite less stress and better mental health as the top benefit of work flexibility and better work-life integration as second. One in three professionals say work flexibility would increase their job satisfaction and morale and almost 30 percent say it would increase their overall productivity or efficiency at work.

Asked what would give them most encouragement to work flexibly, 52 percent of professionals say the CEO or management has the greatest impact on advancing flexibility within their organisation.

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