British employers increasingly positive towards flexible working

Positive attitudes towards flexible working are increasing among employers in the UK, according to a government survey.

The latestWork–Life Balance Employer Survey, commissioned by theDepartment for Business, Innovation and Skills, found that56% of employersconsider flexible working good for business.

The survey also reports that employers agreeing with the statement "employees should not be able to change patterns if it disrupts the business" hasdropped from 73% to 49%since the last survey was compiled in 2007.

Other findings included the number of employers offeringpaternity leave(either paid or unpaid) beyond the statutory minimum increasing from 18% to 27% since 2007.

Meanwhile, the practice of jobsharing has decreased, but other flexible working arrangements—such asflexitimeandreducing working hoursfor a limited period—have increased.

The survey polled 2,011 employers in England, Scotland, and Wales with at least five employees on the payroll. It is the fourth such survey since 2000.

IZA World of Labor authorCarol Grahamhas written about the relationship betweenflexible working and employee well-being, specifically with reference toolder workers. She writes that: "Voluntary part-time workers in Europe and the US are happier, experience less stress and anger, and are more satisfied with their jobs than other employees."

The survey can be foundhere.

Related articles:
Late-life work and well-being, byCarol Graham
Fixed-term contracts, byWerner Eichhorst