Bite-Sized Insights: Hybrid Working Conditions Remain Attractive to Parents

As we continue to transition into the new normal living and working in a post-pandemic world, for this week’s bite-sized insights question, we asked parents about flexible working conditions. Take a quick read of this week’s bite-sized insights to find out what parents are saying about their working situations.

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We asked our Insights panel of parents to tell us if their employer offer flexible working options and here’s how they answered:

What does the term flexible working mean to you and how do you feel about flexible working? Comments from our panel members included:

“Before the pandemic I was in the office full-time and meeting clients face-to-face. We had to adapt and take those meetings online. I feel it has worked well, but now we have been told we have to go back to the office. I work flexitime, so I am really hoping there will be some scope, on the days I don’t have meetings with clients, to continue to work from home. I feel like I get more done and I am dreading getting back in the car every day to drive to and from work.”

“In my latest job, I have always worked from home. It took a while to get used to it and one thing I have learned is that you needed to have a dedicated space you can walk away from in the evenings otherwise you are always online. I do miss the office environment but I think I am more productive as there are less interruptions at home and we meet as a team once a month (when not in COVID times!). I think where employers can offer flexible working, they should. Time spent travelling to and from an office daily could be better spent by employees. But I understand it’s not for everyone!”

“My employer will provide hybrid working 2 days a week working from home. So, that’s what I refer to above.
If I need to go to an appointment, that is allowed. Prior to pandemic, working from home was seen by the employer as “dossing” even though I would’ve worked harder than ever… children would’ve been in creche and I wouldn’t have taken my proper breaks. I would’ve needed to work from home pre-pandemic for personal appointments or if builders etc. were coming to house. Flexible to me means working from home and being in-office when necessary, allowing time for appointments provided time is made up, without it being a big drama. Being aware also that being a parent, the unexpected does come up and to allow for that, again once work is done and the time is made up.”

“It means having a work/life balance, being able to work from home when I need to and when it makes sense to but also having the office support when it’s required. It is definitely the best option for me and my family life.”

“Flexible to me means a blended arrangement where all contracted hours are completed either in office, at home or combination of both. I would love flexible arrangement as I try to juggle full time management position along with childcare of 3 children, school, homework, toddler entertainment and children’s social activities.”

Actionable insights for employers:

One of the huge takeaways we’ve seen from the pandemic with regard to the workplace is that the option to work from home for many roles is entirely possible. Now that parents have gotten a taste for the work/family life balance that working from home can provide, many don’t want to go back to working onsite full time. Have you considered your business’ workplace practices for the long term future? Can you offer your employees more permanent work from home options that work for you and your employees?
If your business’ ability to offer working flexibility is limited, consider holding individual one-to-one meetings with employees to work out how you can help to accommodate specific needs and build better relationships and avoid employee churn.
If the nature of your business means that flexible working hours are near impossible, what other kinds of options can you offer to accommodate working parents? Is there room to offer subsidised childcare or more flexibility when it comes to paid leave?