'Microshifting' | 1 in 3 managers quietly allow their staff to work from home

A third (33%) of UK managers admit to having ‘covert’ flexible working agreements with their team members, according to new research.

The findings from global talent solutions provider Robert Walters suggest a growing disconnect between formal workplace policies and the day-to-day realities of how teams actually operate, as organisations continue to push for greater office attendance.

Only 35% of UK workers believe their employer’s current flexible working policy is fit for purpose, highlighting widespread dissatisfaction with existing approaches.

Rise of ‘covert’ flexibility at work

Despite years of discussion around hybrid and flexible working, many organisations continue to prioritise visibility over outcomes. As a result, informal arrangements are becoming more common.

Enter ‘microshifting’ - an emerging flexible working trend which sees the traditional working day split into shorter blocks of time, based around professionals’ personal obligations or peak productivity.