Studies find employees would prefer remote work to shorter work week
LONDON, ENGLAND — Remote work continues to rank high on the desirability list of UK employees despite the current labour climate, according to newly released surveys.
Remote and flexible working options are still high on the list for what employees want our of their jobs.
In fact, data from studies published by Reed.co.uk, a major UK recruitment agency, and Slack, a communications platform designed specifically for the office, shows that workers would opt for remote work over a shorter work week.
This comes as the UK, alongside some other international countries, has launched a trial for a four-day work week.
It also comes as dozens of UK employers continue to shy away from offering remote work despite a severe shortage in the labour market.
Remote Worker has commented on these developments extensively, suggesting that remote work could be the happy medium between UK employees looking for better work-life balance and UK employers struggling to find suitable talent to fill roles.
This latest data showing the marked preference for remote work adds to Remote Worker’s position that both companies and employees stand to benefit by embracing remote work.
Remote work remains the most popular choice
The Reed.co.uk study surveyed more than 2,000 UK workers and 250 UK employers with respect to the four-day work week as well as remote work.
That survey found that 45 per cent of job seekers were likely to apply for a job offering flexible work while a slightly lower 40 per cent were likely to apply for a job offering a four-day work week.
Two new studies have confirmed that remote work is still highly desirable among the UK workforce.
Additionally, 32 per cent would be enticed to apply for a job offering work from home, while 31 per cent said they would be likely to apply if promised the opportunity to progress.
Meanwhile, Slack undertook a survey of 1,000 UK workers and found that 66 per cent would look for another job if their employer did not offer flexible or remote work.
Both of these findings show a clear preference for remote work if not at least flexible options over both a shorter work week as well as career advancement.
This is in line with other studies that have found employees are no longer considering salary as the only factor when deciding whether to accept or remain in a position.
It also highlights where UK employers can stand apart from the competition and leverage what the labour market is looking for to stay ahead.
Find the latest remote work opportunities in the UK via Remote Worker.