Return to office | Firms with reduced flexibility facing staff exodus, say recruiters

Recruiters have reported a talent exodus from companies now offering their employees less flexibility in where they work.

Research among more than 500 in-house and agency recruiters revealed a surge in applications from employees at companies requiring their teams to be in a city centre office five days a week. Two thirds (67%) had seen an increase in candidates looking for new positions following mandates from current employers that require them to spend more time at a central office.

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Perk-less | Flexible working is no longer a 'reward' but a mainstay of modern working culture

The study, undertaken by International Workplace Group, the world’s largest provider of flexible workspace, follows announcements from a number of companies in recent weeks, while others are doubling down on offering more flexible hybrid policies to cement their positions as attractive employers.

The research demonstrates the growing importance of hybrid working to businesses that want to attract and retain the best talent. Three quarters (75%) of recruiters said they have had candidates reject job opportunities that don’t offer flexible working, while 72% said firms which don’t offer hybrid working are becoming less competitive in the job market.