More than seven of 10 employees (76%) say they want their company to make work permanently flexible in terms of schedule and/or location. But their desire for work flexibility is being met with a conflicting message – employees report that their employer thinks they are more innovative and work harder on-site, according to a survey commissioned by Catalyst and CNBC, conducted by Harris Poll.
The report, The Great Work/Life Divide: How Employee Desire for Flexibility and Concern from Companies Is Driving the Future of Work, shows that the ‘Great Resignation’ – the mass, voluntary exodus from the workforce – will continue if companies and managers don’t demonstrate more empathy or care and understanding for employees’ concerns as well as life/work needs.
Lorraine Hariton, President and CEO, Catalyst, said: “The 9-to-5, in-the-office paradigm is outdated and if you don’t respond to your employees’ needs by offering flexible and remote-work options and by showing empathy, you are going to lose valuable talent and derail innovation.”
Half of employees intend to make career change because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Of those who intend to make a career change, 41% said they are seeking flexible and/or remote work, followed by 39% who desire a raise and/or promotion and 33% with an interest in changing industries.
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