Older workers less likely to be asked about flex working

A new survey by Phoenix Insights shows that employers still seem reluctant to open up flexible working discussions with workers, particularly those over 55, since the day one right to request flexible working was introduced.

Mid life man at laptop working remotely

 

Fewer than half (44%) of UK workers say that their manager has discussed flexible working arrangements with them,  with 55+ workers much less likely to say this, according to a new survey.

The research by Phoenix Insights – the think tank of insurance company Phoenix Group – is based on a survey of 1,200 UK workers. It found the figure has risen slightly from February, before the statutory right to request flexible working from day one in a job came into force, when 39% of workers said their manager had discussed flexible working with them.

Over 55s were the least likely age group to say their manager has discussed flexible working with them prior to the introduction of the legal right to request it (26%), and this has not risen subsequently (24%). By contrast, over half (54%) of 18-34-year-olds said their manager had discussed flexible working with them as of August 2024, as did 46% of 35-54-year-olds. This is in spite of the fact that Phoenix Insights’ research has previously found that options for flexible working become more important to employees with age, with 73% of over 55s prioritising flexible working hours in their job, compared to just 57% of 18-34-year-olds and 60% of 35-54-year-olds.

The survey also found that three quarters (74%) of workers feel confident to some degree discussing flexible working arrangements with their manager, a slight increase compared to earlier this year (67%). However, only 36% feel very confident, with little change from before the right came into law (33%).

Additional Phoenix Insights’ research has shown that flexibility is particularly important to women, with two thirds (67%) saying that flexibility over their working hours is an important consideration, compared to only 56% of men.

Phoenix Group’s Cath Sermon, Head of Public Engagement & Campaigns at Phoenix Insights, Phoenix’s longevity think tank, said: “Flexible working can be a game changer for workers enabling them to balance work alongside caring responsibilities, or to better manage their physical and mental health. Flexible hours are also particularly important to employees aged 50 and over, playing a vital role in helping them think differently about when and how they work, earn, save and retire.

“However, we know that making flexible work operate in practice needs planning, trust and good conversations between managers and employees. The concept of the eight-hour working day is over 200 years old so now is the time for employers and managers to be more imaginative about how to flex requirements and ensure that the legislative change makes a meaningful difference to their employees. That’s why it’s crucial for employers to do more to equip and encourage these important conversations to happen and to share best practice from across their organisations to help normalise and empower employees to stay in work for longer.”



Post a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Your Franchise Selection

Click the button below to register your interest with all the franchises in your selection

Request FREE Information Now

Your Franchise Selection

This franchise opportunity has been added to your franchise selection

image

title

Click the button below to register your interest with all the franchises in your selection

Request FREE Information Now


You may be interested in these similar franchises