Flexible working furthers women's careers, makes men unhappy

Women who are allowed to work flexibly are more likely to enjoy promotions, whereas men with similar working arrangements are in danger of jeopardising their career.

This is according to new research from Bain & Company and Chief Executive Women (CEW). The report surveyed 1,030 employees across Australia, interviewing them on their perceptions of their workplaces and their flexible working allowances.  

The research revealed that confidence and commitment levels in male employees who worked flexibly were lower than those who did not. It also uncovered, male colleagues were twice as likely to have their request for flexible working rejected than their female counterparts, the Guardian reported.

One man who took part in the survey commented: “My boss told me I wouldn’t be able to get promoted working part-time.”