4 of 10 think flexible working encouraged by demands to work closer to home, reveals Regus

Both businesses and workers are after work-life balance.

A research by global workplace provider Regus revealed that heightening need to improve employee work-life balance as well as businesses’ desire to create agile organizations that cope with headwinds are driving up flexible working.

The research canvassed opinions of over 44,00 businesspeople across 100 different countries, and found that 44% of Singapore respondents say that demanding to work closer to home is also a key factor in supporting flexible working. 23% reported that the need to combat the rising commuting cost is another factor.

30% asserted that firms wishing to comply with best practice employee flexibility standards and 33% said firms wanting to attract staff from a wider talent pool are encouraging the take up of flexible working.

Lastly, 22% of respondents from Singapore stated that giving employees the opportunity to work closer to home also aids in coping with the issue of leasehold under occupancy because businesses are able to lower office space costs when the spaces are underused.

“While the drivers for flexible working may differ for businesses and employees, both stand to gain. The fact that businesses are already benefitting from flexible working to increase their agility is good news. In addition, helping employees to find a more satisfying balance between their personal and professional lives creates a healthier and more productive workforce,” said Paul MacAndrew, Regus Singapore country manager.