The Changing Nature of Work: 30 signals to consider for a sustainable future

SIGNAL 21. Flexibility in working arrangements

Our reality today is more multi-dimensional than ever. This is the result of factors such as globalization, technological advancement, demographic shifts, changing values, and personal priorities. The work environment is one of the areas affected the most. It must rapidly respond to these changes and generate work arrangements that can face a new reality. The demand for more inclusive and diverse business environments results in homeworking, part-time contracts, sabbatical breaks, shared roles, flexible hours and other set-ups.

Research indicates that 79 percent of respondents from the United Kingdom believe that flexible work arrangements will increase their productivity, and 92 percent of millennials prioritize flexibility while looking for new career opportunities. Recent studies reveal that flexibility is a priority for most of the 35 .The Changing Nature of Work global workforce. Indeed, for some groups of workers, flexible arrangements are of critical importance in achieving inclusive and equal opportunities at work. Presenting alternative ways of working to women who have just returned from maternity leave, to parents and carers with young children, to people with varying physical and mental abilities, and to professionals over their retirement age is beneficial both for these groups and employers. Organizations that have tailored work set-ups get access to an extended pool of talents, retain staff for longer, and increase their effectiveness by having diverse professionals on board.

Governments make efforts to achieve inclusive societies through policy and cultural changes. This raises expectations from businesses within communities. Various studies show that consumers often decide on goods and services based on a company's commitment to inclusion rather than other factors [100]. Employers should acknowledge the clear benefits of flexible arrangements and should continue their efforts in extending them.

Check out the next signal, #22: Valuing all types of work.

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The Changing Nature of Work: 30 signals to consider for a sustainable future

Work helps sustain livelihoods and largely determines the quality of life. Its changing nature is at the frontier of development. This report is the result of a broad horizon scanning by six UNDP Accelerator Labs across Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States.  They reveal 30 signals that shape the “where, who, how, and why” of the changing nature of work. From the impact of COVID-19 on the workforce to new work models and entrepreneurial ecosystems, the authors explore opportunities and threats, as well as solutions from local contexts that can be scaled up into positive answers to the challenges people around the world are facing.  Download the full report here.