Versatile working is ready to blow up in 2024 

Neglect inflexible routines and commutes that eat into your mornings, a brand new wave of flexibility is ready to scrub over UK workplaces in 2024, as extra employers embrace versatile working preparations. 

Startups surveyed 546 enterprise house owners in direction of the top of 2023 about their present office mannequin. Based mostly on the outcomes, 66% of respondents at present provide versatile working in some kind, versus simply 28% of corporations which are based mostly within the workplace full-time.

That determine is ready to develop this yr. Startups additionally requested companies whether or not they would introduce different office fashions to the longer term workforce. The outcomes present that the identical share (66%) will embrace a versatile work mannequin in 2024.

Distant work largest winner amongst employers

14% of UK companies surveyed are planning to extend the variety of days that their workers can work remotely subsequent yr, making it the clear favorite over different versatile schedules.

Compared, simply 6% of firms surveyed stated they deliberate to require workers to return into the workplace extra days per week. This implies that employers are waking as much as the optimistic advantages that flexibility can convey to workplaces over inflexible work schedules.

Different area of interest preparations favoured by employers in 2024 embrace implementing a four-day week, flexi-time (the place the worker can modify their very own begin and end occasions), and hiring for extra part-time roles.

New to the versatile working scene is the worker advantage of ‘work from wherever’. The perk implies that workers are permitted to work in a unique metropolis, area, and even nation, to the place their employer relies.

That 11% of firms are planning to introduce this profit subsequent yr is a sign that office borders are being significantly eased. UK staff can at present base themselves in over 40 nations to work remotely with a Digital Nomad visa.

Workers empowered to request versatile working this yr

After years of campaigning post-COVID for workers to sit down again at their desks, Startups’ findings present a long-awaited verdict within the return to the workplace debate.

Companies have lastly accepted that staff is not going to simply relinquish work at home advantages. As soon as hesitant to embrace change, they’re now actively planning for a 2024 reshaped round worker flexibility.

Many UK staff have thrown their help behind the struggle for house working. A current survey of 1,000 staff discovered that 94% of respondents agree it results in improved workers morale and higher work-life stability.

It could possibly additionally save staff cash – a vital perk in gentle of the continuing value of dwelling disaster. Ditching the each day commute interprets to lowered transportation prices. Moreover, distant staff can keep away from bills like skilled apparel and lunches purchased out.

These particular person financial savings can contribute to a happier, extra financially safe workforce, doubtlessly boosting morale and productiveness.

How going distant may also help recruitment

Switching to versatile working may additionally give firms a bonus within the recruitment course of, as information exhibits job hunters are more and more favouring work at home over the workplace atmosphere.

Evaluation by On the spot Places of work finds essentially the most in-demand jobs are overwhelmingly distant roles. 65% of the UK’s most sought-after jobs don’t require workplace attendance. Professions corresponding to gamekeeper and PE instructor have seen the largest rise in recognition within the final yr.

In fact, not all jobs are appropriate for distant work. Some roles require bodily presence or collaboration that is tough to copy just about.

Nonetheless, Startups’ survey illustrates the vary of choices obtainable for introducing versatile working past the best-known insurance policies like hybrid or distant work. Corporations that take these steps might be extra engaging to prime expertise, giving them an edge within the recruitment recreation.

Job seekers might be handed one other massive win this yr when the federal government’s Versatile Working Invoice, also referred to as the Worker Relations Invoice, will come into impact.

On account of the legislation change, UK staff might be empowered to request a versatile work schedule from day certainly one of employment. Workers will even have the ability to make two requests for versatile working hours, occasions, or location in a 12-month interval.

Workplace downsizing in 2024

2% of the companies that Startups surveyed reported that they had been at present based mostly in coworking areas, whereas 18% are in absolutely distant work.

That one in 5 firms has formally moved out of the full-time workplace testifies to a rising pattern amongst enterprise house owners. Within the UK, many employers are both downsizing to a smaller office, or else turning the lights off completely.

In a current survey by actual property consultancy Lambert Smith Hampton, roughly 27% of small companies stated they had been planning to downsize their workplace area this yr.

This shift is not nearly worker perks; it is about chilly, onerous money. Many of the respondents to the Lambert Smith Hampton survey stated they had been motivated by value. In complete, 78% anticipated to economize by relocating.

Common workplace rental prices within the UK are nearing £3,000 monthly. With enterprise charges set to extend in April 2024, and the speed of inflation displaying no signal of ebbing, the choice to scale down is a savvy technique to keep away from paying extortionate month-to-month payments.

Past lease, workplaces include a hefty record of utilities: electrical energy, water, heating, air con, web, and upkeep providers. Decreasing your bodily footprint, or discovering a serviced workplace supplier, naturally interprets to reducing these operational prices.

The truth is, switching to a hybrid cost plan at a coworking area has been estimated to save SMEs round £20,000 per yr in lowered overheads.

Already working flexibly? Examine 50+ worker advantages and perks you may introduce to enhance workers morale and productiveness in 2024.