Shock CIPD study | Millions of UK staff quitting their jobs over flexibility limits

An estimated 4 million UK employees have changed careers due to a lack of flexibility at work, according to new research.

New research from the CIPD also found that an estimated 2 million have left a job in the last year for the same reason. In response, the CIPD has warned that businesses may face a talent exodus if they fail to offer flexible working options.   

The CIPD’s latest report, which explores employee and employer perspectives towards flexible and hybrid working practices, highlights that offering flexible working is key to retaining and attracting staff, addressing the current skills shortage and fostering inclusive workplaces.

Following the pandemic, flexible working has become much more embedded in the world of work. The CIPD’s latest research shows that a growing number of organisations offer flexible working from day one of employment (39% in 2023 vs 36% in 2021) and 14% of those without this in place intend to do so before Government legislation, announced in December 2022, takes effect. However, almost half (49%) of employers still aren’t aware of the pending legislation, which will make flexible working requests a day one right, highlighting the need for more education and action amongst employers.