The new shape of work: Redefine flexible working

Embrace flexible working arrangements for all
COVID-19 has tested many people’s ability to be flexible in terms of how and where they work. The next challenge for employers is to help everyone move forward by designing and implementing flexible working strategies that are inclusive. Such strategies should embrace all employees at all life stages and harness the many different forms flexibility can take.
Many employers say they will provide flexible work arrangements at a grander scale than before the coronavirus pandemic. The hope is that this will deliver real business value, including sustained engagement, productivity increases and greater access to expanded talent pools. Nearly all companies (98%) are taking steps to create a healthy hybrid work culture. This is having a positive effect. Since the pandemic, 83% of energised employees trust their organisation to let them work flexibly. However, engaging a blended workforce, in which employees have a range of different work experiences, will be challenging for both managers and teams. It will affect everything from hiring and learning to business development and performance management.
Leading companies are combining the best of the pre-COVID era (personalisation, global outreach and outcome-led actions) with the remote, flexible and digital models that are redefining work today. They are rethinking how different jobs can flex and how to offer their people more flexibility, whatever life-stage they’ve reached. They are innovating and creating solutions that recognise people’s financial, health and career aspirations. “Flexibility for all” is the new shape of work. Use our expertise to explore what’s possible, desirable and sustainable.
The five dimensions of flexibility
88% of employees who are thriving say their colleagues are supportive of people with flexible work arrangements.
Three ways to get started on flexible working
Test your organisation's flexibility
Use our free tool to assess where your organisation currently stands in terms of delivering flexibility for your workforce.
Flexible working
Mercer has proven experience helping organisations create flexible working strategies to transition from fixed to hybrid structures.
Hone your flexible working strategy
Design and implement a strategic approach to flexible working that delivers long-term value for both your employees and your business.
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All jobs can flex. This means that organisations can adopt a broader view of flexible working and offer a flex-working strategy that benefits everyone, not just…