Flexible working hours outrank hybrid working in job satisfaction survey 

Flexible working hours and pay are the strongest drivers of job satisfaction among UK workers, according to new research commissioned by productivity and performance coaching provider Avilio. 

The nationally representative survey of 1,284 UK employees found that financial reward was the most cited factor underpinning job satisfaction, selected by 44 per cent of respondents. Flexible working – defined as the ability to adjust working hours – followed closely at 41 per cent, ahead of hybrid working at 33 per cent. 

The results suggest that when people work is now more important than where they work, particularly among older employees. Flexible working was valued by 45 per cent of respondents aged 35 to 54 and 42 per cent of those aged 55 and over, compared with 37 per cent of employees aged 18 to 34. 

Other commonly cited contributors to job satisfaction included working with colleagues respondents get on with (39 per cent) and knowing they can provide for themselves and their family (36 per cent). Career progression ranked lower overall at 22 per cent, although this rose to 31 per cent among younger workers aged 18 to 34.  

Philippe Masson, chief executive of Avilio, said the findings reflect changing expectations following the pandemic. 

“This data highlights a clear shift in what employees’ value in their jobs. While the pandemic brought widespread hybrid working, simply allowing people to work from home is no longer enough to help them manage their work-life balance,” he said. 

“Beyond financial rewards, employees now prioritise the ability to adjust their working hours, so allowing them the freedom to choose when they work could be a particularly significant factor for many prospective and existing employees in the coming years.” 

He added that flexible working is increasingly important as people take on caring responsibilities later in life. 

“This is especially important as people take on additional responsibilities with age, such as childcare or caring for elderly relatives. Flexible working was valued most among older respondents, so a one-size-fits-all approach to supporting wellbeing simply won’t work,” Masson said. 

The survey also found that five per cent of respondents reported not feeling any sense of job satisfaction. 

According to Avilio, the research was conducted online by independent market research agency Opinium between 4 and 8 October 2024. The sample was weighted to be nationally representative by age, gender, region, employment status and political views. The findings are based on self-reported survey data.