Is Workplace Flexibility Still Important in 2024?

What Does the Salary Survey Say About Workplace Flexibility?

According to the 2024 Salary Survey, 70 per cent of respondents work five or more days each week. Just 15 per cent of respondents said they work a four-day week. Meanwhile, workplace flexibility ranks second in the list of preferred recruitment strategies by HR managers who responded to our survey, at 34 per cent, compared to 67 per cent for relying on the organisation’s cause and reputation. Workplace flexibility in this case refers to hours of work as well as place of work.

It follows the findings from last year’s Salary Survey, which revealed that workplace flexibility – including flexible working hours and location – was the top talent attraction strategy being used by organisations, with almost half of respondents ranking this as their preferred strategy. But given the large percentage of respondents to this year’s survey who said they work at least five days each week, it would seem this flexibility may not extend throughout the sector.

What is Work-Life Balance?

Community-wide sentiment on flexibility is shifting. Earlier this year, ADP Research Institute found that 30 per cent of Australian workers believe a four-day work week will become the norm in their industry within the next five years. 11 per cent said their employer already offered this in order to promote better mental health.

Flexibility is also good for work-life balance. Work-life balance is simply balancing personal responsibilities with those of one’s work. It might mean being able to be present for school pick-ups and drop-offs, or perhaps simply being home at a reasonable hour to cook dinner and go to the gym.

Hybrid working means employees spend some of their working hours in an office designated by their employer, and the rest from home or another workspace. It seems hybrid working is now here to stay; job advertisements now often highlight hybrid and flexible work environments as a selling point to new staff, as a tool to create better work-life balance.

Discover More Insights and Boost Your Impact

The 2024 Salary Survey provides critical insights into workplace trends, including the growing importance of flexibility and work-life balance. Don’t miss out on this valuable resource. Purchase the full 2024 Salary Survey report today and empower your organisation with the data you need to attract and retain top talent in the ever-evolving work environment.