In a world before the impact of the pandemic, flexible working was a conversation some employers may have been reluctant to have.

However, Covid-19 has undoubtedly altered our ways of thinking and living, and as a result, we are now seeing traditional working become less desirable to employees.

Would you be willing to take a pay cut?

In a recent survey conducted by Indeed, more than a quarter of employees stated that they would be willing to lower their wages if it meant they could continue working remotely.

Of the 2,000 people surveyed, it was found that 26 per cent would consider taking a pay cut if they were able to continue enhancing their work-life balance.

The results indicated that men and women were just as likely to say they would agree to a cut in their salary, with parents of children under the age of 18 being the most likely.

Are face-to-face interactions important in the workplace?

In 2019, a YouGov poll of almost 2,000 employees, produced for Randstad, discovered that 37 per cent of those surveyed did not consider social connections at work as being important.

Colleague relationships were named as important by two in five (40 per cent) of employees surveyed, placing this the fourth most valued component in the workplace. However, in 2021, this had more than halved to 19 per cent.

Does flexible working improve employee wellbeing?

Deepa Somasundari, senior director of strategic projects at Indeed, discussed why so many employees have appreciated the control and flexibility of working remotely.

Although recognising that “some jobs are more difficult to perform flexibly than others”, she encouraged employers to communicate with their workers about how flexible working may impact the workplace going forward.

“Employers who may be resistant to flexible work should remember that a happy workforce is a more engaged and productive one, too, and allowing workers the opportunity to balance home life with work life will show that they value their overall wellbeing,” Somasundari said.

What should you expect going forward?

Laura Todd, director of inclusion and wellbeing at Randstad, said that whether businesses introduced hybrid working or reverted to full time working, they would face some challenges bringing workers back to the office.

“In order to strike the right tone and create an engaged workforce, employers should work in consultation with employees to understand what elements of in-office and home working are valued,” she said.

Todd also highlighted the importance of maintaining social interactions where possible. “The pandemic has seen large numbers of people move jobs and socialising with colleagues is an important way of demonstrating the culture of an organisation and providing a forum to exchange ideas,” she said.

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