Flexible working threatened by global economic uncertainty

About 68 per cent of business leaders globally believe that progress made on flexible working during the Covid-19 pandemic is now at risk as companies navigate economic uncertainty, according to a survey by professional network LinkedIn.

The current global climate is slowing down progress in important areas of working life, with 75 per cent of business leaders worried it will affect employee well-being, 74 per cent concerned about skills development and 68 per cent saying it will weigh on flexible work arrangements, the research showed.

The study polled more than 2,900 executive-level managers from large companies across the US, the UK, Germany, the UAE, Australia and other countries between September 27 and October 19.

“As we have seen in the last couple of years, flexible working and learning and development have become important elements in ensuring business resilience,” said Ali Matar, head of LinkedIn Mena and Venture Markets.

“While difficult decisions undoubtedly have to be made, it is important to remember that people are a company’s most valuable asset, and protecting their well-being is vital to getting through this time. Employers that invest in their people during these times will be the ones that come out stronger.”

Companies around the world have increasingly focused on employee well-being, work-life balance and learning opportunities in the post-coronavirus era.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic began in 2020, employees and jobseekers have been requesting to work from home at least two days a week, in addition to asking for flexible hours and training opportunities, recruitment company Robert Half said in its 2022 salary guide.

More than half of employees in the Mena region have considered leaving their current jobs to find a better work-life balance at some point during the past 12 months, a Bayt.com survey found last month.