Why flexible and customised workplaces are in demand

Result

Four out of five citizens expect more flexible and individualized work opportunities in the future. This applies to both the timing and content of their jobs and reveals a shift in traditional perceptions: away from fixed working hours and towards greater flexibility and autonomy in the workplace. Within the age groups, a picture emerges that is surprising at first glance: more older than younger citizens agree with this trend.

Reasons

A better balance between work and leisure time is playing an increasingly important role in the working world. The majority of employed people want to enjoy life and seek affirmation and identification in their free time. Work is often merely the vehicle that provides the financial means to do so.

Many companies already allow their employees to work from home and to choose their working hours within a given framework. This also explains the somewhat lower level of support among the younger generation: Having grown up in a time when flexibility, working from home, sabbaticals, part-time work, and individuality and personal responsibility in the workplace are increasingly demanded, many under 35 see this as almost a given in the future.

Companies are increasingly recognizing the link between employee satisfaction and productivity, leading to more flexible work arrangements. This is particularly relevant for attracting and retaining talented employees.

Forecast

The outlook for the future of working time arrangements is promising. If a large majority of the population expects new working time models to become established within the next two decades, this will accelerate the transformation of the working world. Companies will be required to rethink traditional work structures and offer more flexible solutions in order to attract skilled workers and remain competitive. This will lead to changes, particularly in manufacturing and retail, highlighting the need for innovative solutions in these sectors.

Ultimately, all these developments will have a positive impact on the quality of life of the working population by giving them more freedom and control over their working hours, thus allowing them to better consider individual needs and life phases.