Working from home ‘more important than pay’ among top managers

Flexible work arrangements are one of the primary reasons top managers remain loyal to their employers, according to research conducted by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). Of the 1,000 managers surveyed, 40% cited flexible working arrangements, including remote and hybrid work, as the main factor keeping them at their current jobs.

The CMI's findings emerged as first secretary of state Louise Haigh unveiled new initiatives to enhance the right to flexible work, requiring employers to meet with staff who request these arrangements and explain any justifications for denial. In addition to flexible work, the government also included measures to strengthen work rights in the Employment Rights Bill, such as banning zero-hour contracts and prohibiting firing and rehiring practices.

Petra Wilton, CMI's director of policy, emphasized that skilled managers must develop the necessary abilities to manage flexible work effectively, recognizing that team cohesion is crucial, particularly during employee onboarding and team-building. Wilton stated that such managers will ensure their teams feel valued and heard when it comes to reasonable flexible work requests.

Meanwhile, Barclays has drawn criticism from its employees over a recent decision to enforce office attendance three days a week for those living within a 40-minute commute, prompting a call for the bank to reconsider its policy and offering staff a one-off payment to cover additional commuting expenses.